Traffic Removal in Leeds: Reshaping the City for People

Update 18 March:

Given the Covid-19 situation, we have decided to do two things:• hold a webinar on 2 April with some short presentations and space for discussion, and:• reschedule the main event in September or October, depending on how the situation evolves

We hope that you will be able to join us for the webinar on 2 April and the full event later in the year.If you would like to attend the webinar and have already registered then we will be in touch nearer 2 April with details for joining. If you have not registered and would like to attend, please register here on Eventbrite.

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Leeds has seen a range of initiatives to reclaim space from motor vehicles to create people-friendly spaces. Some of these cutting-edge efforts are under development, both in the city centre and in new residential neighbourhoods. We will hear from the expert practitioners leading these initiatives. We will also learn from exciting plans underway in nearby York to eliminate non-essential car trips in the city centre. A walking tour from the university through the city centre will cap off the afternoon, ending with an optional pub social. The event is organised by the Traffic Removal UK network, Institute for Transport Studies at University of Leeds and Act TravelWise. Registration is free. This event follows other Traffic Removal UK events held in Bristol, London and Portsmouth.

Updated date/time/location:

When: Thursday 2 April 2020, 2 pm to 3:30 pm

Where: Online Event (Joining details to be shared with registered participants)

Invited speakers:

- Dr Steve Melia, Centre for Transport and Society, University of the West of England on 'What is Traffic Removal and Why is it Becoming More Important?'

- Dr Caroline Mullen, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds on 'Clean Air, Inclusive Mobility and Healthy Communities: The Case for Prioritising Pedestrians in West Yorkshire'

- Sophie Best, Transport Planner, WSP on the project underway to create a more pedestrian-friendly Leeds city centre

- Jamie Keats, Citu on the Climate Innovation District being built on a central Leeds brownfield site

- Cllr Jonny Crawshaw, City of York Council, author of the approved plan to reclaim York from cars