Tuesday 12 May, 2009
Transport for Leeds moves into its next stage this week with a further round of roadside surveys.
Between now and the start of June, car drivers, motorcyclists and goods vehicle drivers approaching the city centre will be asked to tale part in roadside interviews at 27 locations across the city. They will be asked about their journeys to and from the city centre as part of the study aimed at reducing the effect of congestion on Leeds’ economy and environment.
Impacts of new roads
“We are carrying out these additional surveys because analysis of the results from those we did in autumn 2008 showed us that we need to gather more information about journeys to and across the city centre,” explained Transport for Leeds City Council’s Chief Highways and Transportation Officer Gary Bartlett.
“They will provide us with information that will complement the data already collected and will also enable us to assess the impacts of the newly opened East Leeds Link Road and Stage 7 of the Inner Ring Road,” he continued.
“We realise there will be short delays for road users while these surveys are carried out but they are taking place at less than half the locations covered in autumn 2008,” added Mr Bartlett. “We hope that like last time, motorists who experience daily congestion will understand the importance of this research and will bear with us. “
In autumn 2008, surveys were undertaken at 66 different sites whereas this time they will only cover 27 locations and will not include motorway slip roads. Buses will not be included in the surveys. The surveys themselves will be carried out by transport consultancy Jacobs, on behalf of Metro and Leeds City Council. The police will oversee the process.
Morning ‘rush hour’ could double
Initial findings from the 2008 surveys show that unless some action is taken, over the next seven to ten years traffic and congestion in Leeds city centre will rise by a further 10%. It also shows that the city’s current main morning ‘rush hour’, which currently lasts between 7.45am and 8.45am will more than double, lasting from 7am to 9.30am as more and more people try to avoid the peak congestion periods.
Tipping points
The Transport Strategy resulting from the Transport for Leeds study will reflect what people have told us they want to see and will contain a mix of improvements for transport in the city, which could be introduced on an incremental basis. In this way if traffic levels continued to build after each measure was introduced, the next could be implemented as a ‘tipping point’ was reached.
Measures are likely to include a far greater use of public transport, more segregation for buses and more bus park & ride, highway improvements across the city, the development of core cycle and walking networks.
Read about the findings of the autumn 2008 Transport for Leeds city centre survey.
