Supertram Will Cut Traffic Chaos (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Supertram Will Cut Traffic Chaos

March 9, 2005 9:30 PM

Headingley Lib Dem Cllrs Greg Mulholland (Leeds District Spokesperson for Metro) and Martin Hamilton (Chair of the Inner North West Area Committee) have backed Supertram to ease congestion in North West Leeds should the scheme get the go ahead from Government chiefs in the coming months. The repackaged bid is being considered by Transport Minister Trevor McNulty after a delegation from Leeds City Council visited Whitehall on Monday (7th March 2005). Supertram's Northern Line will run from Lawnswood, through to the City centre taking in the congestion black spots of Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse.

Councillor Mulholland (Lib Dem, Headingely) said, " I am disappointed that once again the government has failed to give Leeds a decision on Supertram.

I have been involved with the revised bid currently being considered by the government and it has my full support. The impact Supertram would have on congestion, the environment and the local economy cannot be underestimated.

Everyone is aware of the serious problems of congestion and pollution on the A660 and Supertram is vital to start to address that. We hope that the scheme gets the green light."

Councillor Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) added, "If Supertram gets the go ahead it would be a massive boost in terms of easing the congestion in and around North West Leeds. Headingley residents in particular are subject to long delays on a daily basis. We were disappointed that the government minister was yet again unable to give a firm commitment. It is not a case of either trams or more of something else - if we do not get Supertram we do not get the money to spend on other modes of transport. This is our best bet to deal with the transport problems in our area."

· http://www.leeds-supertram.co.uk/Routes/NorthLeedsLine.htm

· The three routes chosen were the result of extensive research and

consultation and will serve three of the busiest and most congested routes into Leeds City Centre - none of which are served by existing rail services. This includes the Headingley ward.