How can climate change be tackled in York and what is the role of active travel? We put some questions to Cllr Kate Ravilious (once Joint Chair of York Cycle Campaign) who job-shares the role as Executive member for Environment and Climate Emergency on York Council. 

1. How do you see transport contributing to carbon reduction?

Transport is responsible for around one third of the greenhouse gas emissions in York. To date we have made very little progress in reducing carbon emissions from transport in York.

The council’s Climate Change strategy suggests that we need to reduce our carbon emissions from transport by 71% in order to meet out net zero by 2030 commitment. Switching to electric vehicles is helping, but it won’t be enough on its own. Previous calculations along with work carried out by the Civic Trust suggest that the 71% reduction can be achieved by reducing car use by 20%, doubling active travel and increasing bus use by 50%.

We are currently drawing up a Local Transport Plan and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan that will provide us with the framework to meet these objectives. These plans will go out for public consultation this autumn. Currently many residents, businesses and visitors to York find themselves car-dependent: alternative options don’t exist, aren’t economically viable, or don’t feel safe enough. Our transport plan needs to change that and provide more people with the option of walking, wheeling, cycling or taking the bus. This will form a crucial part of reducing carbon emissions for the city over the coming years. 

2. What practical plans do you have to encourage (safe) active travel in York?

What we have seen over the last ten or so years is a very piecemeal approach to transport planning. Funding bids for specific projects have resulted in measures being implemented in isolation, without necessarily linking up to the wider active travel network.

We need to take a more strategic approach and work towards creating a joined up cycling and walking network that is safe and accessible for everyone.

As soon as we have developed our Local Transport Plan and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan we are going to develop a more detailed ‘Movement Plan’ which will consider all modes of transport and ensure that there is a joined up network available for every mode of transport be it walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting, using the bus or driving a car. 

3. What has happened to the 2020 proposal by Johnny Crawshaw and backed by the council  to make the city centre car-free within 3 years – will Labour now make it a reality? 

This motion didn’t propose that the city centre would be car-free, but committed to only allowing essential vehicle journeys within the city centre.

This has obviously been overshadowed by the issues with Blue Badge holder access and COVID measures and it’s vital we get this right. The aspiration for a city centre where only essential vehicle journeys are allowed remains unchanged.

4. How do you intend to make the most of Active Travel England? Will you be inviting ATE in to train and guide council staff?

With the wider political movements happening with regard to ATE – especially the swinging cuts made by central government – we will have to see.

We have already had meetings with ATE and have discussed possible active travel training. Obviously the proximity of ATE is of benefit to the teams in York and we are keen to continue working with ATE, making the most of the advice and expertise they can offer, and ensuring that we deliver high quality active travel schemes for York.

5. How effective is the role of Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency? It cuts across so many other teams, how will you highlight its relevance?

You need to ask me this question in 3 years! The environment is one of the four core priority areas of this Labour administration and we have already put in place governance changes to ensure that climate and environment underpin all council decisions.

Each decision must now include the climate and biodiversity impact alongside health, equalities, finance etc. Myself and Cllr Jenny Kent (who job-shares the Executive role with me) are working closely with our colleagues in all Executive roles and attending meetings across all portfolios, ensuring that we help to set the strategic direction and political priorities in housing and transport in particular. There is still much to do, but we are rising to the challenge.