Otley asked to have its say on new transport plans as consultation launches

People in Otley are being given the chance to have their say on new transport services for the town.

In a bid to get people to ditch their cars, “Shared Transport Hubs” are an initiative being launched across West Yorkshire. The idea is to create a one stop shop of services to reduce the need for private vehicles. Otley is the first of five areas to invite the public to have their say on what these should look like.

The range of services and features will vary between locations, but options to be considered include bus services, travel information, e-bikes or e-scooters, or cars which can be hired for short journeys. They could also include community amenities like parcel delivery lockers.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Otley Town Council, is asking the public for their views on the proposed location of the new hub — at North Parade Car Park or Courthouse Street Car Park — and on what services residents, businesses and other potential users would like to see.

The project is part of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s wider plans to support sustainable transport choices, increase accessibility and reduce reliance on cars.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“A reliable and accessible transport network, which prioritises walking, cycling and public transport, is key to our plans for a stronger and better-connected region.

“We want to make travel across West Yorkshire more convenient and accessible, and the best way to do that is for you to tell us what you want to see for your local area.

“Your opinion matters, so please make the most of this opportunity to have your say and shape the proposals.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said:

“I’m excited to work with Otley Town Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, looking to create new sustainable transport services in the town. The idea is simply to enable more people to have other options for their shorter journeys.

“By creating a one stop shop for options on sustainable transport, it could give opportunities to encourage more people out of their cars and to try other ways to get about, especially for those shorter journeys.

“This supports our Connecting Leeds transport ambition to replace car journeys by sustainable travel. Every little bit we can do to help people to make that switch, will enable us to reach our ambition. I would encourage everyone to check out the proposals and have their say.”

To find out more information on the proposals and to provide feedback, members of the public are encouraged to visit the project website at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/OtleyHub and complete the online survey.

To help people understand the plans in more detail, a series of in person and an online webinar events will be held, where the project team will be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer any questions. To find out more about these sessions and to register, visit the project website.

• To request the information in an alternative format you can:
• Email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
• Phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676
• Write to Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA

The deadline to comment on the plans is Sunday 4 February 2024.