Leeds City Council is unveiling a transformative plan to enhance travel along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street, aiming to improve pedestrian safety, boost bus efficiency, and promote cycling with features like safer crossings and a new bus lane to St James’s Hospital. The community is invited to share their thoughts through a consultation process, ensuring residents and commuters have a say in shaping this vital route for neighborhoods like Harehills and Lincoln Green.
What are the proposed improvements for travel along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street?
The proposed improvements include:
– Safer pedestrian crossings
– Widened pavements outside St James’s Hospital
– Two-way protected cycle track
– New cycle crossings
– New 24-hour bus lane to St James’s Hospital
– Improved bus user waiting environment
– Greenery and landscaping enhancements
Introduction to the New Scheme
A fresh initiative to transform Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street is currently on the table. This crucial route serves as a conduit from the beating heart of Leeds to the vital services provided by St James’s Hospital. The surrounding neighborhoods stand to benefit, including Burmantofts, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, and Harehills. This consultation is not happening in a vacuum; it builds upon the feedback gathered in 2019, which showed strong support for enhancing pedestrian, bus, and cycle access. Funding has been secured from the City Region Sustainable Transport Scheme, earmarked specifically for projects that promote safer, more sustainable modes of travel.
What’s Being Proposed?
The proposed changes are comprehensive and focus on pedestrian safety, bus transit efficiency, and promoting cycling – a trifecta of enhancements aimed at making the area more welcoming and safer for everyone. The list of proposals is extensive and includes strategic upgrades such as:
- Safer pedestrian crossings
- Widened pavements outside St James’s Hospital Bexley Wing
- Two-way protected cycle track, running along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street
- New cycle crossings
- New 24-hour bus lane from Burmantofts Street to St James’s Hospital
- Extension of the existing bus lane from St James’s Hospital to Burmantofts Street
- Improved waiting environment for bus users near St James’s Hospital
- Opportunities for new greenery, landscaping and a more welcoming environment
These changes come in the wake of 67 reported casualties along the route since 2017, including 12 serious incidents and one pedestrian fatality. The design of the scheme is sensitive to the ongoing needs of the hospital, ensuring that there will be no impediment to access for emergency vehicles and that taxis will retain use of bus lanes.
Community Involvement and Feedback
The local community’s voice is pivotal in shaping the future of this route. Leeds City Council is reaching out to residents, businesses, and commuters for their input. “The route is a key corridor for people visiting Burmantofts and the surrounding areas and for access to the hospital,” Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, articulates the council’s vision. He emphasizes the importance of making the area more accommodating for pedestrians, bus users, and cyclists by enhancing safety and accessibility. The consultation is open for feedback, and the council encourages all stakeholders to participate.
Improving Road Safety and Accessibility
Statistical data paints a stark picture of the current safety issues plagating the route in question. With a history of accidents and a pedestrian fatality, the necessity for improvement is clear. The planned alterations are a targeted response to these safety concerns. By constructing safer pedestrian zones and segregating cycle paths, the council aims to drastically reduce the risk of accidents. Moreover, the introduction of new bus lanes is expected to streamline public transport flow, benefitting both commuters and the environment.
Feedback from Local Authorities
Local authorities are vocal about the benefits these changes will bring. “It’s great to see plans moving forward that will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport in this part of Leeds,” says Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee. He views these proposals as a step towards a greener future and encourages the public to actively engage in the consultation process. The partnership between Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority underscores a unified approach to transportation and urban planning, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure.
Consultation Participation Details
The consultation is open, and the council is making a concerted effort to ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard. Interested parties can complete a 10-minute survey here or attend a drop-in event at The Anglers Club, providing a direct avenue for community members to share their thoughts and concerns. For those unable to access the online resources, paper copies of the proposals and survey are available upon request by contacting the provided phone number or email address. The deadline for providing feedback is Tuesday, 8 October 2024, giving the community ample time to consider and respond to the proposed developments.
Next Steps
Following the consultation period, Leeds City Council will review the public’s input and refine the proposals accordingly. The goal is to begin implementation promptly, with an eye towards creating a safer, more environmentally friendly, and accessible Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street corridor. This initiative is a key part of the broader Connecting Leeds strategy, which aims to revolutionize travel within the city, prioritizing the needs of its residents and the sustainability of its transport systems. Stay informed and contribute to shaping the future of transportation in Leeds.
- Leeds City Council is proposing a transformative plan to improve travel along Burmantofts Street and Beckett Street by enhancing pedestrian safety, bus efficiency, and cycling infrastructure.
- Proposed improvements include safer pedestrian crossings, a two-way protected cycle track, widened pavements, and a new 24-hour bus lane to St James’s Hospital.
- The initiative is based on community feedback gathered in 2019 and aims to address safety concerns, as there have been 67 reported casualties along the route since 2017.
- The consultation process invites input from residents, businesses, and commuters, with a deadline for feedback set for Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
- Following the consultation, Leeds City Council plans to review public input and begin implementing the approved proposals as part of the broader Connecting Leeds strategy.