New video animation launched as Leeds transport conversation survey gets deadline extension

A new animated video has been launched by Leeds City Council today as the deadline for people to ‘join in the conversation’ on the future of transport in the city has been extended.

The animation, which can be seen at https://youtu.be/_vWX3b3AGBc and will be appearing on big screens in the city centre, gives an overview of the key issues around transport with the aim of encouraging people to take part in the current survey on transport at www.leeds.gov.uk/transportconversation.

The survey, which has already been completed almost 4,000 times, was due to close next week but due to the initial response it has now been extended for several more weeks. This will allow even more people to take part in the latest phase of the biggest-ever discussion on transport strategy held with residents, businesses and visitors in the city.

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.

The council hosted a transport summit in June attended by leading transport bodies and key stakeholders, followed by the survey which has been running since the start of August.

The initial feedback from the survey and the transport summit will inform a report to be discussed by the council’s executive board in October shaping further discussions with the government about the £173.5m funding and any other possible additional future funding streams. The conversation itself in Leeds will continue well into next year.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“We are very pleased to be launching this eye-catching animation which will engage with people of all ages so they can then join in the conversation themselves.

“The response to the survey has been impressive but we still need to hear more views from as many people as possible which is why we have decided to keep the survey running to offer more time for people to get involved and help shape the next phase of our talks with the government over the future of transport in the city.”

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 while the conversation is also taking place online using the twitter hashtag #leedstransport.

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