A WHARFEDALE MP is calling on the Government to provide the necessary funds to deliver a ‘fit for purpose’ local transport system.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) raised the issue during the Queen’s Speech debate in Parliament last week. Highlighting the many transport challenges facing the Leeds area, Mr Sobel urged the Government to follow through on its pre-election promise to invest in the required upgrades.

The MP said: “Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a light rail or metro system and European cities are often more productive than our own, in large because they have better infrastructure.”

Addressing the Secretary of State during the Queen’s Speech debate, Mr Sobel asked for a date for when ‘the good people of Leeds, who I represent, can expect the funds to be released to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority so work can begin on upgrading our transport system in Leeds to bring it to the same standard as London’s’.

Further pressure on the Government over local transport issues came from Leeds City Council this week. The local authority has sent a long list of demands - many focused on travel - designed to help it hit an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

It is asking for, among other things, significantly increased, long-term funding to support active travel and public transport along with a commitment to deliver an Urban Mass Transit Network and the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan.

Transport improvements being proposed by the council and WYCA, meanwhile, include creating a new parkway station on the Leeds to Harrogate rail line to serve Leeds Bradford Airport and act as a park and ride.

Mr Sobel is backing the council’s plans. He said: “Our city is showing the necessary ambition but it is down to the Government to put its money where its mouth is and give us the resources to ensure a transport system that is fit for purpose and fits our commitment to net zero carbon by 2030.”