Plans to make some of the busiest areas of Leeds city centre safer for pedestrians and shoppers are set to move to the next stage after receiving overwhelming public support.
More than 2,100 people took part in a consultation on the Briggate Action Plan, which set out proposals aimed at tackling concerns raised about safety in the area. Among the issues highlighted was the estimated 1,100 bikes travelling along Briggate each day. These include heavy bikes used by delivery riders, some of which can reach speeds of up to 45mph, posing a serious risk to pedestrians if a collision occurs.
The consultation asked people whether they supported a series of proposed measures for the pedestrianised shopping area in the city centre. These include requiring cyclists and e-bike riders to dismount and walk through the area during pedestrianised hours. As well as Briggate, the affected zone includes Lands Lane, Commercial Street, Albion Place and lower Albion Street. The proposal received strong backing, with 87 per cent of respondents in favour.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development said:
“It was great to see so many people giving their views on these important proposals, which are aimed at making the city centre a safer place for everyone.
“Leeds city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of people every year to enjoy one of the country’s most successful and vibrant retail, leisure and cultural destinations, so it’s vital that we do all we can to ensure their visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
“This action plan will aim to address a number of concerns which the public have told us have a negative impact on their experience of the city centre and this will hopefully make Leeds an even more attractive place for people to come and spend their time.”
A second proposal would extend pedestrianised hours from the current 10.30am-7pm to 10am-8pm. This measure was supported by 84 per cent of those who responded. The consultation also sought views on banning pedlars from defined areas. Pedlars are mobile street traders who are not licensed by the council. On an average day, around 15 pedlars are active on Briggate, with numbers rising significantly during major events such as Light Night Leeds. This proposal was backed by 69 per cent of respondents.
After reviewing the consultation responses and feedback, Leeds City Council officers are now drawing up plans for the next phase of the scheme. This will include applying for new legislation to allow the restrictions to be introduced and enforced.
The council will need to complete an extensive statutory process before the measures can come into force, but it is hoped they could be implemented within the next six to 12 months.
