Agenda item

To receive an update on the progress made on the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme between April 2017 and July 2022.  

Individuals present for this item were:

Cllr Helen Hayden   – Executive Member

Gary Bartlett   – Chief Officer Transportation & Highways

Sabby Khaira   – Programme Executive LPTIP

Gary Bartlett introduced the item, providing an update on progress with the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) since the last scrutiny update in September 2020.

The Board noted the short time frame in which works had to be completed in line with DFT requirements and the enormous pressure that created for the team. Recent challenges included the Covid-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures affecting the construction industry.

Congratulations were extended to the team for several awards for the LPTIP scheme, including Team of the Year from the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation.

Gary outlined the context for the programme, noting that schemes were informed by the city Transport Conversation, which highlighted walking, cycling and public transport as priorities. He also noted that due to the timeframes determined by the grant funding the team adopted an ‘overprogramming’ approach. 

The actual and forecast spend for the programme were discussed, along with levels of additional external funding secured by the programme team.

Members welcomed the social value delivered via LPTIP, noting the numbers of apprenticeships for people in Leeds and local people employed.  Members sought information about the learning that could be used to inform future infrastructure schemes, particularly regarding training and skills.

It was suggested that it would be useful to secure more detailed information about those involved in future schemes – e.g. to understand how many people from the most disadvantaged communities have been helped into work, and the number of people from communities traditionally underrepresented in sectors such as construction.

Additional matters considered by the Scrutiny Board included:

-  Progress towards Alwoodley Park and Ride Scheme

-  Plans to improve transport infrastructure in outer areas of the city

-  Delivery of new buses

It was noted that the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will focus on advancing bus provision in the city and there will be opportunity to consider issues such as levels of bus patronage post-pandemic.

It was agreed that a ward member briefing would be provided to Ardsley and Robin Hood councillors about the Leeds Road bus priority scheme.

Gary Bartlett agreed to refer concerns to WYCA about the development of a new White Rose station and access from Ardsley to Outwood Station. It was noted that the location of the White Rose station has been determined by Network Rail as opposed to the Council.

Members were asked to note the ambitions set out in the Transport Strategy, which was agreed by Executive Board in October 2021.

Clarification was sought as to how ‘pedestrian experience’ of LPTIP schemes has been assessed, and how the learning from that experience will inform future transport schemes.

The timescales for evaluating the impact of LPTIP were outlined.

Members welcomed the positive improvements to the city centre and the increased priority for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

Gary Bartlett provided further information about the rationale for restricting access to certain routes in the city for private hire vehicles prior to 10pm.

Members queried whether a graphic could be provided to members in east Leeds that could be shared to encourage people to return to the Temple Green Park and Ride post pandemic.

An update was requested about the Leeds/Bradford parkway station.

RESOLVED:

It was agreed that:

-  The report be noted.

-  Gary Bartlett will ensure Ardsley and Robin Hood members receive a briefing regarding the development of the Leeds Road bus priority scheme and will refer concerns about the White Rose station and access to Outwood station to WYCA.

-  Consideration will be given as to how more detailed information about the social value of infrastructure schemes could be captured in future.

-  Options for a graphic to encourage the use of Temple Green Park and Ride will be considered.