Two major Leeds City Region transport schemes head the list of projects the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) claims should be given high priority for funding.
New Generation Transport, the planned trolleybus network for Leeds, and proposed new rail stations at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge top the list of projects upon which the Campaign is advising to focus.
Stephen Joseph, the Campaign for Better Transport’s Chief Executive, has written to the Department for Transport saying that evidence shows priority should be given to public transport projects in and around cities.
They are also financially robust proposals with a very low risk of failure which would provide maximum economic stimulus, says Joseph in his letter:
‘A focus on public transport projects will also create a larger number of UK jobs in terms of vehicles and infrastructure… and the new services provided will continue to support jobs across the country after the project construction phase has ended,’ he writes.
In the letter Joseph also questions the ability of some road schemes, against which the Leeds City region projects are competing, to stimulate local economies.
‘The benefits to the local economy are far lower than for public transport,’ he writes. ‘In addition, they will not deal in the most effective or cost-effective way with congestion, and will harm the local environment too.’
“We have maintained all along that our proposed schemes, which have received the highest levels of support from local business leaders perform strongly in terms of benefits to the regional and national economy,” said Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis.
“They will create thousands of permanent jobs, and help meet the Government’s aim of narrowing the north south divide and reduce pressure on the local environment.
“The Campaign for Better Transport says that road schemes which it describes as bypasses through the countryside don’t help transport problems, the environment or the economy, and has come out against four schemes in particular,” continued Lewis.
“However I am convinced that our third bid, for much needed repairs to the Leeds Inner Ring Road which is already a key element to moving traffic through and across the City Region, also represents good value-for-money in terms of Government investment.”
