A Leeds resident has hit out at the traffic issues which plague Leeds City Centre and have meant visiting Leeds is a nightmare.
Michael, who is 69-years-old and from Morley, says he used to go into the city all the time, but now, it is "virtually impossible". He said the roads are completely gridlocked and prevent him from getting to the centre by car in a reasonable time.
Public transport is also an issue as the buses are often delayed or cancelled at the last minute, meaning he is forced to wait.
Read More: Man, 21, arrested for drink-driving in Leeds as biker, 51, fights for his life after crash
He gave an example of the problems: "I had to drop my daughter down at the train station as she was going to London at quarter to seven in the morning. I had a nice drive down on Spence Lane until I got to the traffic lights where you turn left to go on to Wellington Street.
"From there, to City Station's drop off area, it took me 10 minutes to move about 600 yards. It was gridlocked."
Michael also suffers from health issues which means he has to visit LGI a few times every year for check-ups. When travelling in to the hospital he takes public transport, which causes a whole new set of issues.
He said: "I'm having to get a bus at least two hours before my hospital appointments because of the cancellations on the buses, I can't miss the appointments.
"Before I just used to go in the car, park up and now it's just impossible. I mean, it's very confusing."
He added: "I've got the First Metro App on my phone, so I go to the bus stop and it's telling me there's a bus at 20 past two. I get to the bus stop and the time on the sign there is different from the app on my phone."
What do you think about traffic issues in Leeds? Take our survey below or click here
Michael says he frequently has to wait for a long time only to have to wait for the next bus as it has been cancelled. He says other cities have mass transit network with trams, but Leeds does not.
The layout of roads in Leeds also causes problems. Michael says the road layout is always changing and there are lots of traffic signs so "you just can't concentrate".
He also says all these problems and delays mean he can get to Rochdale faster than he can get to Leeds CIty Centre from Morley. This all means he struggles to visit and spend his money in the city.
Michael said: "I used to like going to the grand theatre but now it's a paved area all outside. My daughter used to come and pick us up afterwards so we can't go there now.
He added: "I'm 69 and I can walk but I can't walk all that far, I have to have a rest and there's operations and various ailments so I just have to take my time. I can't rush about like a 20-year-old.
"I think that's what they're aiming Leeds City Centre for now, they want people fit and able that can ride a bike in Leeds City Centre. I think the pensioners and people with disabilities, they've kicked them into touch."
Previously, when asked about traffic issues in the city relating to the transformation of Leeds City Square into a pedestrian zone, a Leeds City Council spokesman said: "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."
Read Next:
