William Eichler 20 September 2017

West Yorkshire councils sign agreement to tackle congestion

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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Communications and Engagement Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£44,331 - £47,532
We’re looking for two enthusiastic and dedicated communications professionals to join our team and work on communications for transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Families Information Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
The Greenwich Families information Service is requiring cover for maternity leave within the team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Finance Assistant

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Roles have generic job descriptions across the department’s full range of accounting services. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner