Consultation Launches to Improve Safety and Accessibility along Burley Street, Park Lane and Westgate

Leeds City Council is inviting residents, businesses, and those using the route, to share their views on an active travel initiative designed to make Burley Street, Park Lane and Westgate safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. The public consultation opens on January 8, 2025, and will run until February 5, 2025.

This scheme aims to tackle longstanding issues along the route, including congestion, limited pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and high collision rates. By introducing a new two-way segregated cycle lane, improving pedestrian crossings, and junction redesigns, the scheme will enable people to travel more safely and reduce car dependency on this busy city route.

Burley Street, Park Lane and Westgate form a key route for students, with several student accommodation developments and educational facilities located nearby. Improving safety and accessibility along this corridor will directly benefit the many students who use it daily, whether travelling to classes, socialising, or commuting to part-time jobs.

Key Features of the Burley Road to Westgate Project

• A two-way protected cycle lane along key sections of Burley Street and Westgate, providing safer, direct cycling connections to Leeds city centre.
• New, fully signalised crossings at locations such as Park Lane, where there is high footfall from Leeds Sixth Form College students, making it easier to cross the road.
• Enhanced bus accessibility with improved junctions and layout adjustments, reducing congestion during peak hours.
• Upgraded and new bus stops to create a more welcoming environment for all users.

The project aligns with Leeds City Council’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting active travel, and supporting Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries in Leeds by 2040. Between 2017 and 2023, there were 63 reported casualties along this route, including 16 serious collisions, highlighting the need for these improvements.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is funded by Active Travel England. This £1.8m investment highlights the joint commitment to creating safer, greener, and more accessible routes across Leeds.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council, and Executive Member for Economy, Transport, and Sustainable Development, said:
“The Burley Road to Westgate project is a vital step toward creating safer, more accessible routes for active travel through Leeds. This initiative is part of our commitment to make our city more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable, and we urge everyone who uses this route—whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus—to share your views and help shape the future of this area.”

Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “Safe and accessible travel options are so important for encouraging people to walk, wheel, cycle and take the bus.

“We’re building a greener and better-connected West Yorkshire with schemes such as this one - please get in touch and help us shape the proposals.”

Have Your Say

Public feedback is essential to ensure the project meets the needs of all who live, work, study, or commute along Burley Road and Westgate. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the project’s Commonplace webpage, where they can provide input on current issues and suggested improvements.

The consultation webpage can be accessed online at: https://westgateconnector.commonplace.is or by scanning QR codes found on consultation materials around the area.

If you would like a paper survey and freepost envelope, please email connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 336 8868.