The Access Subgroup meets monthly to discuss the current state of accessibility in York, including recent planning applications, access to the built environment of York (see City Centre Access), and other matters to make sure that disabled people are included in the life of the city. They also attend meetings on behalf of YDRF, raising accessibility concerns with the Council, statutory and governing bodies, and other interested parties.
Who’s in the group?
The group is made up of YDRF members (supported by allies) who experience access barriers across the range of physical, sensory and cognitive impairments.
Our subgroup members are:
- Amanda
- Ashley
- Diane
- Dionne
- Ian
- Jane
- Marilyn
What are we working on?
On behalf of the wider YDRF community, we have raised, and continue to raise, access issues in a number of areas, including:
- Accessible toilets
- City Centre access
- Station Gateway and York Central
- Bus Accessibility
- Blue Badge parking
In April 2026 we also launched our materials called ‘Creating a More Inclusive Transport Strategy in York’. They set out some principles to enable people with a range of transport-related access needs to have their human rights met in our city. There is a poster, an electronic flyer and a more detailed guide. Please feel to download, display and distribute the materials – and ask us if you’d like any hard copies.
Below are some of the submissions that we’ve made. If you’d like to know about anything specific, just get in touch.
- Transportation Implementation Strategy Response 2024 (Word, 36KB)
- Response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024 (PDF, 464KB)
- Wheelchair accessible taxis 2024 (Word, 757KB)
- Riverside Path Consultation 2024 (PDF, 114KB)
- York Disability Rights Forum’s Response to the Draft Local Transport Strategy 2024 (Word, 53KB)
- Haxby Station Objection 2024 (Word, 14KB)
- Wilton Footbridge Objection 2025 (PDF, 163KB)
- Rougier Route Objection 2026 (PDF, 186KB)
- Response to City centre events and permanent Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order 2026
Inclusive Transport Strategy
We’re working to ensure York’s transport policies and infrastructure are accessible, inclusive and shaped by disabled people’s lived experience. Learn more about the campaign and how you can support it.
Reverse the Ban
YDRF was also part of the Reverse the Ban coalition that successfully campaigned to overturn the permanent ban on Blue Badge holders using a vehicle to enter the footstreets. Read more about the Reverse the Ban campaign and our impact on City Centre access.
How can I join?
If you’re interested in joining, make sure you’ve joined the YDRF either as a full member or an ally, and then email Marilyn at hello@ydrf.org.uk using the subject line “Access Subgroup.”