Leeds MP tables motion over Leeds Bradford Airport access

A recent study recommended a road link instead of a rail link, however this could cost up to £75 million, with three options currently being consulted on.

Mulholland’s motion calls for the money to be used for the rail link and it expresses concern at the potential cost of the road option.

The motion adds that instead of the road option, “the rail link from the Leeds-Harrogate-York line to a new airport station should be the priority and happen first, with the proposed money being spent on this as the first stage.”

A public consultation is underway to look at how traffic congestion can be eased around Leeds Bradford Airport.

The Lib Dem MP said: “It is crazy to instead be spending such a huge sum on new road links which are causing concern for local residents and will impact far more on greenbelt land, when the big problem is very few people getting to the airport on public transport, precisely because there is no rail link.

“All a road will do is make it easier for people already travelling to the airport to get there more quickly, it won’t get people out of their cars which is what needs to happen nor will it encourage people who currently get the train to Manchester airport because they have a station and a good service from Leeds to instead access their local airport.”