Leeds Council Seeks Views on Eastern City Transport Improvements

Public consultation launched on transport and public space plans

Leeds City Council has opened a consultation inviting residents and commuters to share their views on potential improvements to public transport, walking, cycling, and public spaces on the eastern side of Leeds city centre. The consultation focuses on the area covering St. Peter’s Street, York Street, Eastgate, Duke Street, Kirkgate, Crown Point Road, Marsh Lane, and East Street.

Current challenges in the area

The eastern side of Leeds city centre is a key transport hub, with numerous bus routes passing through and a growing residential population. However, the area faces several issues affecting safety and accessibility:

• Between 2014 and 2024, there were 260 road-related casualties, including 32 serious injuries and three fatalities.
• During peak hours, over 1,700 car journeys per hour are recorded along St Peter’s Street, causing congestion near Leeds bus station.
• Congestion impacts bus journey times and reliability for 69 different bus services operating in the area.
• More than 3,500 pedestrians cross York Street daily, yet the current road layout poses difficulties for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with mobility needs.
• The cycle network is incomplete, lacking a southern link.
• The area has limited quality public space and outdoor green areas, which reduces its appeal as a place to spend time.

Objectives of the proposed improvements

The council aims to align the project with broader goals such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable travel, and supporting the Vision Zero strategy, which targets the elimination of road deaths and serious injuries in Leeds by 2040.

Key objectives include:

• Improving public transport efficiency and reliability.
• Enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and people using mobility aids.
• Reducing congestion to benefit all road users, including private vehicles.
• Creating more welcoming and accessible public spaces.

Consultation and next steps

The council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will use feedback from the consultation to develop detailed plans for the area. These plans will be subject to further public consultation and are intended to be funded through the Transport for City Regions fund for 2027-2032.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in the consultation by:

1. Completing an online survey available on the Leeds City Council website.
2. Attending one of five drop-in events to view project boards, speak with council representatives, and complete surveys in person or online.
3. Requesting a paper survey by contacting the council via email or phone.

Drop-in event details

• Leeds City Bus Station, York Street, Leeds, LS2 7HU – Wednesday 21 October, 3pm-6pm
• Leeds City Bus Station, York Street, Leeds, LS2 7HU – Thursday 22 October, 3pm-6pm
• Community Room, 1 The Lane, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HQ – Wednesday 28 October, 3pm-7pm
• Leeds City College, 25 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7LY – Tuesday 3 November, 10:30am-3pm (students and staff only)
• Leeds City College, 25 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7LY – Thursday 5 November, 10:30am-3pm (students and staff only)

How to get involved

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026. To participate or find out more, visit the Leeds City Council website or contact the council for a paper survey via email at connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or by phone on 0113 336 8868.