People across Leeds are sharing their opinions on city centre traffic after a man got stuck in Trinity car park for two hours.
At the weekend, former journalist Mark Casci tweeted that he'd had to send his family home in a taxi as he was currently an hour and half into trying to get out of Trinity car park. After more than two hours waiting, he ended up abandoning his car.
There are currently roadworks going on in Leeds city centre in preparation for City Square’s permanent closure to traffic in February 2023. Through traffic is being diverted away from the area and traffic travelling north into the city is in place along Neville Street, Bishopgate Street and Swinegate.
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Several others complained about traffic in the city centre, saying when they'd driven through it was 'gridlocked' near City Square. People across the city are sharing their views abut Leeds' current traffic on social media in response to Mark's story.
Tracey Cavinder commented: "I'm all for a greener city centre but the years long roadworks, removal of access routes and inability to provide reliable bus, train or park and ride transport links particularly from South Leeds gives people no choice but to take their car into the centre. Leeds City council is doing a shocking job regards transport/access."
bobfromleeds wrote: "The stupidity of the pedestrianising of city square is unbelievable. Its a main through rout and always has been. Done in the name of reducing pollution it will cause more pollution as stressed drivers drive miles further to get where they want and sit in gridlocked traffic jams so that delivery cyclists can endanger pedestrians in the city streets.
"The anomaly is that UK gov say that by 2025 50% of cars will be electric so the pollution issue will resolve its self without spending rate payers' millions.
"If they really want to reduce pollution now, stop driving polluting 12 ton diesel buses around with 2 passengers, often none, at night. The pollution per passenger of a car is far less than a near empty bus."
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Similarly, Jacqueline Bruce said: "If you want people to use the park and ride- make the last bus later on a sat night, people that work in retail in Leeds work later than 6.53. - the last bus, this makes us have to Uber to park and ride which defeats the object. We are sick of writing to bus and council, come on Leeds do something about it. Cycling in is not an option for people who travel from York, Hull and further afield, the trains are a joke, so come on and provide services for people that are keeping the city open."
However, mickus65 wrote: "I have used the Park and ride and the trains without any problems. I agree with LCC advice to use alternative travel to reduce traffic and pollution to the benefit of all. York (and other cities) has done the same and their CC's is always busy so Leeds is catching up.
"Changing habits and attitudes will be more difficult for some who will struggle to adapt but give them time and encouragement they can change. Those that refuse to change or complain about the changes are welcome to stay out and enjoy the shorter walks and efforts needed to go to out of city shopping centres."
Some said the current traffic situation has driven them away from the city centre.
des cartes said: "Leeds Council says people need to find alternatives to driving into Leeds. Me and many others have. We drive to Wakefield, Harrogate or York for shopping/nights out/entertainment. Only go to Leeds if no other option and factor in excessive parking charges as public transport is appalling."
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said earlier: “With works across the city centre, we continue to encourage motorists to plan ahead, either by using alternative means of travel or using alternative routes, particularly on busy weekends and in the run up to Christmas. We are grateful to those who are already doing so.
“Motorists who need to travel around the city centre by car are encouraged to consider a number of diversionary routes which can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/planahead.
“Alternatively, where possible we would encourage people to travel by bus or rail, cycle or walk into the city. The Park and Ride schemes at Stourton, Elland Road and Temple Green offer a comparatively quiet and cost effective route into the city. Plan your Park and Ride journey here https://www.wymetro.com/park-and-ride ”
What do you think about traffic in Leeds? Let us know in the comments!
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