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Leeds Residents Asked to Help Shape City Centre Transport Plans

Friday, 16 October 2026 07:00

St. Peters Street

Leeds City Council is inviting residents, commuters and businesses to have their say on plans to improve public transport, road safety, walking, cycling and public spaces on the eastern side of Leeds city centre.

Leeds City Council is asking residents and commuters to help shape future improvements to transport and public spaces on the eastern side of the city centre.

The consultation focuses on several busy routes, including St Peter's Street, York Street, Eastgate, Duke Street, Kirkgate, Crown Point Road, Marsh Lane and East Street.

People are being encouraged to highlight existing problems, suggest improvements and identify which changes should be prioritised.

The area is a major transport hub, with Leeds bus station, numerous bus routes, educational and cultural facilities, and a growing residential population.

However, council figures reveal significant challenges involving road safety, traffic congestion and pedestrian access.

Between 2014 and 2024, there were 260 road-related casualties in the area, including 32 serious casualties and three fatalities.

Traffic congestion is another concern, with more than 1,700 car journeys taking place along St Peter's Street every hour during peak periods.

The congestion affects the reliability of 69 different bus services travelling through the eastern side of the city centre.

Pedestrian safety is also a priority, with more than 3,500 people crossing York Street daily. The council says the existing road layout makes it difficult for people walking, using mobility aids and cycling to access the city centre safely.

Other concerns include a lack of attractive public spaces, limited greenery and gaps in the cycling network.

The proposed improvements will support Leeds City Council's wider ambitions to reduce carbon emissions, encourage sustainable travel and achieve its Vision Zero target of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.

The council is working alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to gather feedback before developing more detailed proposals.

These proposals will be subject to further public consultation, with the intention of securing funding through the Transport for City Regions fund covering 2027 to 2032.

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council's Executive Member for Transport and Planning, said the project was an important step towards making journeys safer and more convenient for everyone.

He encouraged people who walk, cycle, drive or use public transport in the area to share their experiences.

Councillor Eleanor Thomson, Deputy Chair of the Combined Authority's Weaver Network Board, said improving road safety and facilities for pedestrians, bus passengers and cyclists would help more people choose greener and healthier ways to travel.

The council says public feedback will play an important role in determining which improvements are taken forward.

Source: Leeds City Council / Connecting Leeds.

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