Nearly 2,000 ‘join in the transport conversation’ in Leeds in first two weeks

Nearly 2,000 people have already taken up the open invitation to ‘join in the conversation’ on the future of transport in Leeds in just two weeks.

Since being invited by the Leader of Leeds Council Councillor Judith Blake to offer their views on the existing and future transport network in Leeds at the start of the month, more than 1700 people have completed the online survey at www.leeds.gov.uk/transportconversation.

The survey, which runs until Tuesday 20 September, is the next phase of the biggest-ever discussion on transport strategy held with residents, businesses and visitors in the city.

Already the webpage has received more than 2,000 page views, while the twitter hashtag #leedstransport has reached more than 200,000 accounts.

Of the initial completed surveys, the split is approximately 60%-40% male to female, with the 25-44 age group accounting for 46 per cent of responses followed by those aged 45-64 with 37 per cent.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“The initial response to the invitation for everyone in Leeds to join in the conversation has been great and shows that transport in our city is an issue which interests and affects all of us. This is just the start though so we need the conversation to keep growing and developing with as many people as possible getting involved.

“From the trends in the initial responses, it would be good to have more women and young people taking part as the broader the response the more effective the results will be in order to help us get the transport network in Leeds right for people of all ages and backgrounds. So I would urge everyone to get involved and keep sending us your views.”

The conversation began following the government’s decision to turn down the proposed New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme for Leeds in May, but with £173.5million of funding for the scheme being retained to invest in public transport in the city.

Following the decision the council hosted a transport summit in June attended by leading transport bodies and key stakeholders, and now the council wants to hear the views and ideas of as many people, organisations, communities and groups as possible to help shape future key decisions.

This initial feedback will inform a report to the council’s executive board in October shaping further discussions with the government about the £173.5m funding to be held before the Autumn Statement. These talks along with the conversation within Leeds will continue well into next year.

The survey asks for views and information on how people currently use the transport network in Leeds, and how they view the experience in terms of comfort, value for money and the time involved in making journeys. It also asks what priorities should be in terms of future investment in the network as well as views on options such as the possible removal of cars from parts of the city centre in order to create more public spaces and improve air quality.

The survey can be accessed online in all council libraries and one-stop centres, while views can also be sent on email to Leedstransport@leeds.gov.uk. Background information including the current vision for transport in Leeds can be seen via the webpages at www.leeds.gov.uk/transportconversation.

Notes to editors:

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is currently consulting on its regional Transport Strategy and Bus Strategy. For more information visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/transport/

Leeds City Council has also launched a three-month public consultation on framework proposals for the development of South Bank Leeds. To take part visit https://southbankleeds.co.uk/shapeyourcity

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council communications,

Tel: 0113 247 5472

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk