Leeds trolleybus scheme public inquiry ends

A PUBLIC inquiry into a £250m trolleybus system for Leeds has ended.

The proposed Leeds New Generation Transport trolleybus system (NGT) Line One would connect key Leeds locations, including its universities, the First Direct Arena, LGI, Trinity Leeds, Brewery Wharf and New Dock along its 14.8km route.

The Inquiry Inspector, Martin Whitehead, said he expected to take until May 2015 to deliberate on his findings and prepare his recommendations for the Secretary of State for Transport.

During this time a skeleton NGT team will continue with ongoing discussions with stakeholders.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for the economy and development, said: “I am confident that a strong case for NGT has been presented and look forward to receiving a positive decision from the Secretary of State.

“NGT is an important element of our plans to improve the transport network in Leeds and the City Region and the sooner we can progress with building Line One, the sooner the significant economic benefits research shows it will generate will be felt.”

Coun James Lewis, transport chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “The NGT proposals have been subject to significant public scrutiny for 72 days, and having listened to the evidence we are confident that the case for the scheme remains compelling. Everyone recognises there is a problem that requires addressing along the proposed NGT routes and while a number of objectors have put forward options for alternative solutions, there is no evidence that any of these have been developed in enough detail to present a realistic, robust or affordable alternative to NGT.”