Five West Yorkshire councils have agreed to collaborate more closely to improve journey times and reduce congestion on the county’s key roads.

Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield Councils have all agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding that will see them increase their partnership working on routes within the West Yorkshire Key Route Network.

This network is made up of more than 410 miles of mainly A-roads in West Yorkshire that are among the busiest in Yorkshire. Representing just 7% of local authority roads in the county, they nevertheless carry 60% of all vehicles.

It is estimated that congestion on this network costs the local economy £600m a year.

The aim of the Understanding, which was created in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is to adopt a consistent, collaborative and strategic approach to improve road network management and performance.

It is hoped it will boost economic growth and lower emissions.

‘By signing up to this Understanding, West Yorkshire’s local authorities are committing to work together to manage the county’s key roads with even greater efficiency and irrespective of district boundaries,’ said Cllr Keith Wakefield, chair of the combined authority’s transport committee.  

‘Congestion costs the local economy an estimated £600m a year and also makes it more difficult for local people to access jobs, training and leisure opportunities.  

‘This Understanding is about making the region’s key roads the very best they can be.

‘Greater collaboration between districts will help us improve journey times, increase reliability and build capacity, which will help us reach our ambitious economic growth targets for the Leeds City Region.’