Sustainable county travel schemes worth £180m move a step closer

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL schemes for West Yorkshire worth nearly £180m, which are being set up as a result of the county’s devolution deal, will be closer to becoming reality from next week.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee will on Tuesday be asked to progress schemes being delivered through the Leeds City Region’s £317m Transforming Cities Fund.

The major programme of investment is coming to

West Yorkshire as part of the devolution deal signed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the five council leaders in March.

Among the schemes is the £7.4m scheme to improve access to Brighouse and Elland rail stations for people travelling on foot and by bike, a £15.8m scheme to redevelop Halifax Bus Station and a package of measures worth up to £15.5m to make it easier for people across West Yorkshire to travel by bus will also be presented to members.

Denise Jeffery, who is chairwoman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee, said of the plans:

“We want to reduce car journeys across West Yorkshire by 3.5 per cent by 2027 and these important schemes will help us achieve this.

“From connecting people across our region, to reducing air pollution and congestion, and combatting physical inactivity and obesity, we know increasing the numbers of people choosing to travel by bike or on foot has a vital role to play in making West Yorkshire a great place to live and work.”