Residents asked to shape major transport and public space changes in city centre

Transport chiefs are calling on people who travel through the eastern side of the city centre to take part in a new consultation aimed at improving travel links and public spaces.

Leeds City Council wants to hear from anyone who uses routes around St. Peter’s Street, York Street, Eastgate, Duke Street, Kirkgate, Crown Point Road, Marsh Lane and East Street.

Feedback is being sought on current challenges, desired improvements, and which changes should be prioritised.

This part of Leeds is a key gateway for those entering and leaving the city, with many major bus routes passing through and the bus station located nearby.

During peak times, St Peter’s Street sees more than 1,700 car journeys per hour, leading to congestion and delays for the 69 bus services that use the east side of the city.

Over 3,500 pedestrians cross York Street daily, but the current road layout can make walking, wheeling and cycling challenging and less safe.

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

Coun Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “This is an important step towards a transport system that prioritises efficient public transport and supports all forms of travelling, making it easier and safer for people to get around the city.

“Public spaces are there to be used and enjoyed by everyone, and it's important that we make these spaces welcoming, accessible and well connected.

"We urge everyone that travels through this area - whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus - to take part in the consultation and share your views.

“By sharing your experience of travelling in the area, we’ll be able to make the right improvements to make it a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.”

The planned improvements are part of Leeds City Council’s wider ambitions to cut carbon emissions, encourage sustainable travel, and achieve Vision Zero - the goal of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries in Leeds by 2040.

Feedback gathered will help the council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority develop proposals for safer travel and more welcoming public spaces. These plans will be subject to further consultation, with the aim of securing funding from the Transport for City Regions fund for 2027-2032.

Coun Eleanor Thomson, Deputy Chair of the Combined Authority’s Weaver Network Board, added: “By making roads safer and improving facilities for pedestrians, bus users and cyclists, we are helping more people choose greener and healthier ways to travel.

“We want to hear from everyone that uses this route to help us build a better-connected region that works for all.”

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 17 November.

People can take part by completing a short survey online, attending one of several drop-in events, or requesting a paper survey by contacting [email protected] or calling 0113 336 8868.

There are five drop-in events:

Leeds City bus station - Wednesday, October 21, 3pm-6pm;

Leeds City bus station - Thursday, October 22, 3pm-6pm

Community Room, 1 The Lane, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HQ - Wednesday, October 28, 3pm-7pm

Leeds City College- Tuesday, November 3, 10.30am – 3pm (Student and staff only)

Leeds City College - Thursday, November 5, 10.30am - 3pm (Student and staff only)