MP Alex Sobel has held discussions with Leeds Bradford Airport amid concerns over its planned 24 hour red route clearway.

Mr Sobel, who represents Leeds North West, sought clarification after constituents contacted him about the scheme, which they fear could cause problems for people dropping off friends and family.

He said: "I thank Leeds Bradford Airport for engaging with me on this issue and for clarification on the reasons for this change. I have had several communications from constituents who are not happy with these plans and feel that they will have to pay unnecessarily for dropping off friends and family’

"The airport told me that they regularly observe near misses on Whitehouse Road caused by people stopping on the double yellow lines leaving car doors open, luggage on the highway and passengers standing on the road and believe it is only matter of time before a serious accident occurs.

"In addition, the presence of cars dropping off, coinciding with buses trying to pass, and the numerous fuel tanker deliveries the airport receives, leads to tailbacks on Whitehouse Lane which can stretch onto Harrogate Road. This is not only an issue of stationary traffic on a main A road, but the CAA have identified this in its Airport Aerodrome Audit Report as an issue that could cause delay to emergency vehicles accessing the Airport in the case of a major incident and have requested that LBA address the issue.

"That said, it is important that the airport realises the potential impact on residential streets that fear an influx in stopping vehicles. The Airport has an existing free drop off point and I have asked that they review their signage and advertising to make sure that everyone who uses the airport is aware of the free zone."

David Laws, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport said. "We have had productive discussions with Mr Sobel who raised the concerns of those living locally. We were grateful for the opportunity to set the record straight. This decision was taken on safety grounds and is in no way about making money, as has been suggested in some quarters. We have a one hour free car park which is fairly unusual for regional airports. We will review our advertising of this at Mr Sobel’s request though we do feel there is sufficient signage."