Leeds transport network 'near breaking point' as council pledges to press for more investment

It comes after yet another night of road chaos on the streets on Tuesday evening after a woman was hit by a bus on Boar Lane.

The city has seen weeks of gridlock on an almost daily basis thanks to a mix of roadworks, infrastructure failures and accidents.

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: “We understand the frustration experienced by anyone caught up in recent city centre congestion.

"This has in part been caused by a number of unfortunate issues, including a number of road traffic collisions and a tragic incident, adding to traffic problems in the city centre alongside ongoing works to improve the city centre transport network which we would all agree is near breaking point."

Major works on the Headrow to improve bus flow through the city and increase cycling and walking, as well as adding green space, are currently taking place

"These works once complete will make active and public transport a more desirable choice, reducing congestion and help address the Climate Emergency that we all face, as well as offering a better city environment for everyone to enjoy," the spokeswoman added.

"In the meantime we continue to press for investment from government to improve our public transport services.”

Buses have been badly hit by delays in recent weeks.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has called on transport bosses to pull together to unlock the gridlock.

First West Yorkshire Managing Director, Paul Matthews said: “I absolutely recognise how important punctual and reliable services are for bus passengers so I can appreciate how our customers are feeling at the moment.

“A combination of additional seasonal traffic and the current, essential city improvement works, as well as a number of isolated incidents, are causing significant levels of congestion.

“The city improvement works are part of an ambitious strategy that will put in place bus priority and public realm improvements. Together with the introduction of new low-emission buses, this will help support our aim to encourage people to use public transport.”

The Confederation of Passenger Transport represents bus operators across the UK including Arriva and First.

North and Yorkshire Director Andrew McGuinness: said: “The best way to tackle congestion in Leeds is to encourage more people to take the bus but perversely unreliable journey times, caused by congestion, are the major barrier to people giving bus a go.

"Operators and local authorities are working together via the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance and the connecting Leeds Programme to deliver infrastructure now and identify future opportunities that puts the bus first in the transport network across our city to make journey times shorter and more predictable.”

Meanwhile, Mark Parry, from the West Yorkshire Campaign for Better Transport, called on people to walk or cycle when travelling distances under two miles.

"Employers should provide facilities for cycling, such as secure parking and showers," he added.