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News • September 2nd, 2026
|The City of York Council is set to discuss important measures aimed at enhancing public safety in the city centre during its Executive Meeting on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. One of the key topics on the agenda is the proposed introduction of an Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), which could lead to new restrictions on vehicle access in certain areas to help protect residents and visitors from potential terrorist threats.
What Is An ATTRO?
An ATTRO is a special legal order that allows local authorities, like the City of York Council, to impose restrictions on specific streets and roads at the request of the police. This order is specifically designed to help protect people from the dangers associated with terrorism. The need for an ATTRO arises when there is a credible threat, and it can only be implemented for that purpose.
According to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the aim of an ATTRO is to “avoid or reduce, or reduce the likelihood of, danger connected with terrorism” or to "prevent or reduce damage connected with terrorism.” This means that if the police believe there is a risk, they can recommend that the council takes action to close off certain areas to vehicles and pedestrians.
Previous Use of ATTROs in York
York has previously implemented temporary ATTROs during specific events or situations deemed to be at risk. Each of these instances followed a detailed seven-step process to ensure that the measures were appropriate and effective. However, if the permanent ATTRO is approved, it would allow for a more streamlined approach to decision-making during times of heightened risk.
Decision-Making Framework
If approved, the permanent ATTRO would enable various partners, including the police and local authorities, to collaboratively decide on the necessary restrictions based on national threat levels and other intelligence. This means that decisions could be made quickly and efficiently to ensure public safety. The framework would also take into account the impact of any restrictions on local residents and businesses, particularly those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. This is crucial to ensure that any potential negative effects are mitigated as much as possible.
Public Consultation Feedback
Prior to the Executive Meeting, the council has published papers detailing the results of a statutory consultation that took place earlier in 2026. Residents and businesses were invited to share their views on the proposed ATTRO. Some of the concerns raised included:
Access for residents and businesses within the ATTRO area if restrictions were activated.
Whether removing vehicles would effectively prevent terrorist attacks.
These concerns highlight the importance of balancing public safety with the needs of the community. The council acknowledges that the entire geographical area of the ATTRO may not need to be activated; instead, restrictions can be imposed selectively based on the level of threat.
What Happens Next?
During the Executive Meeting on 9 September, councillors will be asked to consider several recommendations regarding the ATTRO:
Review the feedback received during the statutory consultation.
Approve the making of the permanent ATTRO as outlined in the draft order.
Delegate authority to the Chief Executive of the Council to activate the ATTRO based on police recommendations.
Develop and implement a decision-making framework for activating the ATTRO in collaboration with the Leader of the Council and relevant Executive Councillors.
These steps are essential for ensuring that the council can respond effectively to any potential threats while maintaining a transparent process that considers the views of the community.
Access and Delivery Considerations
It’s important to note that even if an ATTRO is activated, access for Blue Badge holders and delivery vehicles will still be managed in accordance with existing processes. This means that everyday life for residents and businesses will be taken into account, ensuring that essential services can continue to operate smoothly.
