Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has lent her full support to York activists who are campaigning to abolish a restriction on blue badge parking in the city centre. The prohibition was implemented in November 2021, prompting outrage from individuals impacted, who felt marginalised as “second-class citizens.”
Dame Judi, who was born in Heworth, York, stated that the city centre should be “free for anyone to enjoy” and “totally accessible via such programmes.” She said that as a person with impaired vision, she understands how difficult it may be to reach some locations.
The municipal council made the decision to adopt the blue badge parking ban after installing anti-terrorism measures to lessen the possibility of hostile vehicle assaults. Councilmembers earlier stated that they had implemented mitigating measures such as reduced curbs, an access officer, and a shuttle service feasibility study.
Marilyn Crawshaw of the organisation Reverse The Ban said getting a note of encouragement from a world-famous celebrity as “a tremendous lift.” She said that Dame Judi’s statements were “very heartening and encouraging, and we hope that it will assist in changing the situation.”
Graduate students from the University of York have investigated how counter-terrorism measures and the rights of disabled persons might be merged. The results of this study are anticipated to be made public shortly.
Dame Judi Dench has endorsed a campaign to abolish the York city centre parking prohibition for blue badge holders. The prohibition was implemented in November 2021, provoking outrage among individuals affected, who felt like “second-class citizens.”
The actor, who was born in Heworth, York, stated that the city centre should be “free for anyone to enjoy” and that entry should be made easier through “schemes of this nature.”
Due to counter-terrorism efforts meant to prevent car attacks, the City Council adopted the parking restriction. Council members have implemented dropped curbs, an access officer, and a shuttle service feasibility study to minimise this issue.
Marilyn Crawshaw, from the organisation Reverse The Ban, described getting a message of support from Dame Judi as “a tremendous lift.” Graduate students at the University of York have investigated how counter-terrorism measures might be balanced with the provision of acceptable access for the disabled.
Ms. Crawshaw stated, “When someone like Dame Judi Dench supports us, it is a tremendous lift.” She said that Dame Judi’s statements were “especially heartening and encouraging, and we hope that they will assist in changing the situation.”
The study initiative at the University of York is anticipated to produce results shortly. In the interim, Dame Judi Dench has delivered a much-needed boost to those advocating for the lifting of the blue badge parking prohibition in York’s downtown.
