Residents won’t be surprised to learn that in one day, a HDT survey found that a total of 525 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) passed through Headingley, that’s 3 every 4 minutes (6am-6pm, 16 April 2019). So it’s not surprising that such local transport is seen as a top priority by many of the members of Zero Carbon Headingley. ZCH is committed to reducing carbon emissions in Headingley, and has been very busy over the last couple of years.
In June last year, ZCH held a Clean Air Day event in central Headingley, followed by a very popular Car-Free Day in July when North Lane was closed to traffic. There was a lively street festival held in the road instead. More recently, if you are a local resident, it will not have escaped your notice that traffic congestion in Headingley was significantly reduced and air quality improved during the early stages of the coronavirus lockdown. ZCH would like to keep it that way.
To test possible traffic reduction measures, the group organised a survey, distributed through the Headingley Development Trust and local social media. Completed by 286 people, it showed strong support for action to improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improving public transport. The idea of a 20mph speed limit on all residential roads in the area was popular, also a continuous cycle lane along the A660, and higher priority for pedestrians at traffic lights. Fortunately Headingley is already served by green low emission buses which were introduced in February 2018.
Zero Carbon Headingley is now campaigning for the most popular proposals to be made a reality, using “Zoom” virtual meetings to organise and plan. In June a member of the ZCH Transport Group gave a presentation to the Clean Air Alliance whose members include Leeds City Council officials, elected councillors and academics. The presentation built on the results of the survey to argue for a radical change in local transport policy, prioritising public transport, walking and cycling rather than car drivers. The importance of consulting local communities as part of the planning process was also emphasised.
The government has awarded funding for “active travel” to local authorities as part of the response to the COVID-19 crisis, and money has been given for a dedicated cycle lane along the A660. Zero Carbon Headingley are arguing for more funds to be allocated to other improvements which are supported by the transport survey results.
If you would like to get involved with ZCH, on traffic, housing, energy-efficiency, green space, etc, email zerocarbonheadingley@gmail.com
Matthew Hill, Chair of Zero Carbon Headingley
