Safety upgrades planned for city centre route

A new cycle lane, extra road crossings and upgraded bus stops are among proposals put forward to improve safety on a route in Leeds.

Leeds City Council has invited people to have their say on plans to make Burley Street, Park Lane and Westgate more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

Between 2017 and 2023 there were 63 reported casualties along the stretch of road near Leeds Sixth Form College, including 16 serious collisions.

Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of the council, said the project would be a "vital step toward creating safer, more accessible routes" in the city.

The scheme is also designed to reduce congestion by cutting people's dependency on cars, a council spokesperson said.

The new cycle lane would create a protected two-way direct route to Leeds city centre, while alterations to junctions and changes to the road layout aim to enhance bus accessibility.

New crossings in busy pedestrian areas, such as Park Lane, are also included in the plans.

The route is well-used by students, with several accommodation blocks and college buildings nearby.

The £1.8m scheme, funded by Active Travel England, is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Pryor said the initiative was "part of our commitment to make our city more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable".

The consultation runs until 5 February 2025.

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