Leeds City Council is proposing major improvements to South Accommodation Road in Hunslet, Leeds, to tackle severe congestion at the Atkinson Street roundabout and enhance bus journeys.
These ambitious plans include part signalisation of the roundabout, creating 24-hour bus lanes, and relocating pedestrian and cyclist crossings, aiming to cut bus travel times by up to five minutes and boost safety for all commuters.
What are the proposed improvements for South Accommodation Road in Leeds and their expected impact?
Leeds City Council proposes installing part signalisation at Atkinson Street roundabout, creating 24-hour bus lanes, and relocating crossings on South Accommodation Road to tackle congestion, improve bus journey times by up to five minutes, and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting more reliable and sustainable transport.
Background and Necessity for Change
South Accommodation Road serves as a vital corridor into Leeds city centre from Hunslet, accommodating significant commuter and public transport traffic. This key route is currently traversed by 15 buses every hour, underlining its role in the city’s transportation network. However, severe congestion at the Atkinson Street roundabout has led to considerable delays, particularly during peak travel times. Recent observations indicate that, at rush hour, buses moving through this corridor can take up to 20 minutes to cover just 500 metres, a clear sign of inefficiency affecting both transit users and other road users alike.
Leeds City Council recognizes that such delays not only inconvenience daily commuters but also undermine efforts to promote public transport as a viable alternative to private car use. The exacerbation of journey times discourages residents from choosing sustainable travel options, contributing further to congestion and environmental concerns. The existing infrastructure, particularly at pressure points like Atkinson Street’s roundabout, is struggling to cope with current demand, prompting a comprehensive review and targeted intervention.
In response, the council, in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has developed a set of proposals aimed at addressing these issues. The overarching goals are to improve travel times, enhance reliability for bus journeys, and ensure the route is safer and more accessible for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Proposed Infrastructure Changes
The suite of proposed interventions for South Accommodation Road and the Atkinson Street roundabout is designed to bring about a more efficient and sustainable transport environment. The headline proposal involves the part signalisation of the Atkinson Street roundabout. This means installing traffic signals at selected points to better regulate vehicle flow, reducing bottlenecks for all traffic, including buses, cars, and cyclists. By strategically managing the influx and egress of vehicles, the council aims to streamline movement through this crucial intersection.
A key component of the plan is the conversion of a general traffic lane into a 24-hour bus lane along both Hunslet Road and South Accommodation Road. This dedicated bus lane is expected to deliver quicker and more reliable journeys for passengers, a significant step toward encouraging greater public transport usage. The council’s data projects a reduction in bus journey times by up to five minutes, with ancillary benefits for other road users, as the smooth flow of buses can decrease overall congestion.
Pedestrian and cycle safety are also central in the proposals. The relocation of existing pedestrian and cyclist crossings at Atkinson Street is planned to improve both the safety and accessibility of these facilities. By enhancing crossing points and making them more direct and visible, the project aims to promote sustainable, active travel modes, supporting broader city objectives to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Aligning with Broader City Strategies
These proposed changes are not occurring in isolation. The South Accommodation Road scheme is aligned with Leeds City Council’s strategic ambitions to create a greener, safer, and more inclusive city. Through the partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the project supports the ongoing Leeds Transport Strategy, which encompasses objectives like reducing carbon emissions, promoting active travel, and achieving Vision Zero – the council’s commitment to eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development at Leeds City Council, commented on the initiative: “This scheme is another important step towards creating a transport system that reduces congestion, prioritises efficient bus travel and is part of our ongoing work to support sustainable travel, and make it easier for people to get around the city. We urge everyone that uses this route – whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus – to take part in the consultation and share your views.”
By focusing on improved access to employment, education, and health services, the proposals dovetail with efforts to build a more connected and equitable transport network. Enhancing the efficiency and reliability of public transport along this route is seen as a catalyst for economic and social growth, supporting both immediate and long-term city development aims.
How to Participate in the Public Consultation
Leeds City Council is actively seeking feedback from all stakeholders – residents, businesses, daily users, and interest groups – regarding the proposed changes. The public consultation process is designed to ensure that the voices of those most affected by the scheme are heard and incorporated into the final design. According to Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, “Improving this key route into the city centre will support our plans to get more people on to public transport and make walking and cycling safer and easier. Proposals like these are vital as we make sustainable travel the first choice as part of an integrated Weaver Network so please make sure you have your say about the scheme by October 14 and help us build a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the consultation process can do so through several channels:
- Complete a Survey: Find out more and fill out a short online survey to share your feedback.
- Attend a Drop-in Event: Meet the project team, review proposal boards, and complete a survey, either online or in paper format, at the Hunslet community hub and library (Waterloo Road, LS10 2NS) on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, between 1:30pm and 6:30pm.
- Request a Paper Survey: To request a paper version of the survey and return it freepost, email connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 336 8868.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit the Connecting Leeds website. Ensure responses are submitted before 11.59pm on Tuesday 14 October to have your input considered in the decision-making process.
Impact and Expected Outcomes
The collective suite of proposed measures is anticipated to generate multiple benefits for South Accommodation Road and adjacent communities. Modeling suggests a substantial reduction in journey times for buses, with savings of up to five minutes per journey during peak hours. This improvement supports both the reliability and attractiveness of public transport, which is a cornerstone of Leeds’ approach to congestion management and carbon reduction.
Other vehicles on South Accommodation Road are also expected to experience less congestion as a result of the signalisation and dedicated bus lanes. By smoothing traffic flows and minimizing delays at key intersections, the project aims to create a more predictable and efficient environment for all road users. Improved pedestrian and cycling facilities further enhance the route’s accessibility and safety, helping to foster a culture of active travel across the city.
Wider socioeconomic benefits are foreseen through improved access to jobs, education, and health services. By facilitating smoother, faster connections between Hunslet and Leeds city centre, the initiative supports the economic vitality and inclusivity of the urban area. In the context of Leeds’ larger strategy for sustainable urban growth, the South Accommodation Road proposals represent a targeted, data-driven response to current transport challenges, with the potential for significant positive impacts across sectors.
- Leeds City Council proposes major improvements to South Accommodation Road in Hunslet to address severe congestion and enhance bus journeys.
- The plans include part signalisation of the Atkinson Street roundabout, creating 24-hour bus lanes, and relocating pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
- These changes aim to reduce bus travel times by up to five minutes and increase safety for all commuters.
- South Accommodation Road is a vital corridor into Leeds city centre, currently experiencing significant delays due to congestion at the Atkinson Street roundabout.
- The public consultation for these proposals is open until October 14, 2025, and encourages feedback from all stakeholders.