A Leeds Council announcement that there will be new traffic cameras in the city centre has proved divisive among locals.
Connecting Leeds, the council's traffic and travel department, announced yesterday, Thursday, September 22, that new traffic enforcement cameras were now in operation on City Square.
From now, not obeying the new restrictions will mean a fine for drivers. For some, the crackdown was welcomed - but others were less pleased.
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The full announcement from Connecting Leeds on Facebook read: "Traffic enforcement cameras are now in operation on City Square.
"If you pass through City Square from Bishopgate Street you will receive a penalty charge notice. All routes turn right onto Boar Lane and Mill Hill."
The area by City Square is undergoing roadworks currently. Many Facebook users took to the comments and arguments quickly erupted.
Pal Frankland commented: "Seems complete madness. This will catch so many people out especially as it has always been a left turn.
"Talking retrospectively. Good way of getting extra money!"
Jay Barker replied to Paula, saying: "Looks to be plenty of signage to stop people getting caught out."
Andy Kay said: "It's at gridlock now that 2 lanes can't just get to their destination. Its absolute madness."
"I went through this on Sunday just gone I literally didn’t know I was about to go through it until it was too late," Chris Navey agreed. "I don’t usually use Leeds city centre and I won’t be driving into the centre again."
Jo Cole said: "How do you get to West Leeds from the city centre now? Love how making Leeds ‘greener’ is creating more congestion and longer driving."
However, Robert Cumming was much more positive about the news, writing: "Brilliant stuff. This is a step to a much nicer entrance for visitors to Leeds from the station and improves the setting for every pedestrian using the square."
Lee Long agreed, saying: "Great to see things moving along."
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: "With works starting in earnest this week we continue to encourage motorists to plan ahead, either by using alternative means of travel or using alternative routes. We are grateful to those who are already doing so.
“Bus gate camera enforcement is now live where Bishopgate Street meets City Square, to protect buses from congestion and to ensure the safety of pedestrians and constructor partners. Police enforcement of the restrictions is also planned.
“General traffic travelling along Bishopgate Street can now only turn right onto Boar Lane. Entry to Wellington Street from Bishopgate Street is now prohibited.
“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, or to use the Park and Ride schemes at Stourton, Elland Road and Temple Green.”
The council added that money collected from fines would be reinvested into the Leeds transport network.
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