Drivers warned as anti-terror traffic rules meant to protect Christmas markets could be made permanent amid ‘hostile vehicle’ threat
Traffic rules designed to protect Christmas markets from terror attacks could be made permanent amid “hostile” vehicle threats.
City of York Council has launched an eight-week public consultation on whether an anti-terror traffic regulation order (ATTRO) introduced during last year’s Christmas market should become permanent.
The council said comparable restrictions are already operational in other British cities as a means of reducing the threat of terrorist incidents.
Under the proposed arrangement, the ATTRO would normally remain inactive – but could be brought in when police, the council and emergency services consider it necessary.
Officials said permanent measures would enable an immediate response to requests for restrictions, rather than requiring each request to be processed separately.
The order would cover streets beyond those currently protected by “hostile vehicle” bollards, including Deangate, College Street, Duncombe Place, High Petergate and Precentor’s Court.
Police said that preventing vehicles from accessing city centre streets during the market’s operating hours was essential to deter attacks on large public gatherings.
However, the restrictions have drawn criticism from some disabled residents who said the measures impeded their ability to reach the city centre before Christmas.
An anti-terror traffic regulation order (ATTRO) was introduced during last year’s Christmas Market in York
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Council leader Claire Lewis said earlier this month that steps to reduce the market’s impact were intended to ensure both the event and the wider city centre remained accessible to all.
The consultation forms part of broader changes the authority is examining for future Christmas markets.
Additional proposals include creating more temporary Blue Badge parking bays, establishing rest areas, altering opening hours and reducing the number of days the winter event operates.
Liberal Democrat councillor Paula Widdowson warned that making the ATTRO permanent could undermine the ruling Labour administration’s commitment to reversing a ban on Blue Badge parking in the city centre.
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City of York Council’s public consultation will remain open until May 13
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Disability rights campaigner Flick Williams expressed concern that the order might be deployed during other city centre events, including demonstrations, as counter-terrorism protocols become stricter.
York Pubwatch called for a compromise solution if the ATTRO becomes permanent and urged that the Christmas Market be safeguarded.
The public consultation will remain open until May 13, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to submit their views on the proposed permanent restrictions.
A number of terror attacks targeting Christmas markets have occurred across Europe in recent years – with Germany suffering the majority of incidents.
A number of terror attacks targeting Christmas markets have occurred across Europe in recent years
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The deadliest attack took place at a Christmas market in central Berlin in 2016, when a truck rammed into crowds, killing 12 and injuring 50 as it smashed through stalls and tables.
The Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Ahead of last year’s festive season, Counter Terror Policing told Britons “to stay alert as they enjoy a winter season full of festive events and activities with family and friends”.
“The terror threat hasn’t gone away. The threat to the UK from terrorism is substantial, which means an attack is likely,” the law enforcement network warned.
