Thank you for your question regarding secure motorcycle parking.

Secure motorcycle parking is not currently part of the Shared Transport Hub funding. Funding was allocated by Leeds City Council in 2021 for secure motorcycle parking at various sites across the city, Otley was not included in that particular scheme. This was as a result of requests from motor cycle users combined with a suitable location for the Motorcycle racks. 

We understand your concerns, especially given the security issues you've personally experienced. Although we cannot confirm any future opportunities at this time, I have raised your feedback with the relevant Leeds City Council team for consideration as part of their transport discussions.

Thank you for your question regarding secure motorcycle parking. The focus of the Shared Transport Hub is to promote active and sustainable travel options, such as walking, cycling, and the use of shared e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-car clubs. These options are aligned with our broader goals to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and encourage healthier, more sustainable ways to travel.

Given the limited space at the hub, we are prioritising facilities that support active travel and shared transport, which are key to achieving these environmental and community benefits. While we acknowledge the utility of motorcycles, our aim through this project is to encourage a shift toward more sustainable modes of transport through this initiative.

At this stage, secure motorcycle parking has not been included in the design due to space limitations and the emphasis on promoting shared and low-carbon alternatives as per the objectives of this project However, we will consider your feedback as the project evolves and continue to assess the need for different transport provisions in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and for engaging in the consultation process. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of transport in Otley.

Thank you for your question. We have passed this onto our Bus Services team for consideration. The Otley Shared Transport Hub is being funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which is funding provided directly by the Department for Transport and can only be spent on the scheme for which it was awarded. This means the funding cannot be used for other activities, however the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working on plans to improve bus services across West Yorkshire through its Bus Service Improvement Plan. More information on this is available here: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/improving-transport/improving-buses/

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the proposed Shared Transport Hub on Nelson Street as part of our public consultation process. We understand that changes in local infrastructure can raise important questions, and we appreciate the opportunity to address them.

Firstly, I would like to clarify that the right turn out of Nelson Street for the A3 and Harrogate bus 52 is not being removed. Instead, we are merging the right turn with the left turn lane to create the necessary space for the Shared Transport Hub, ensuring that the buses can still make this manoeuvre. We have conducted vehicle tracking for buses, and the results confirm that they can safely and efficiently navigate this turn.

Regarding your suggestion to place the Shared Transport Hub in the Library car park next to the electric substation, we did consider the Walkergate car park (which is in close proximity) as a potential location. However, this option would have resulted in the loss of more car parking spaces, which could negatively impact the local community. Additionally, situating the hub closer to the bus station on Nelson Street enhances its visibility and accessibility, aligning with our goal of creating a more integrated and user-friendly transport network.

We value the feedback from Otley residents like yourself and will continue to consider all input as we move forward with the Shared Transport Hubs programme. If you have any further questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your question on the Otley Shared Transport Hub consultation.

Our Rail Strategy, on which a consultation was carried out in Autumn 2023, includes considering whether there are any ‘network gaps’ in the current rail system, including significant towns not served by rail, alongside the potential feasibility of providing such a link. In the case of Otley, such a gap was acknowledged, and the potential feasibility of a rail-based option was noted. As such, the Rail Strategy proposes that further work be carried out to look more closely at the practicality of, and a case for, such a link to Otley. Such a proposal would however be likely to be a longer-term aspiration. In the shorter term, opportunities to increase Otley’s connectivity via improved links to (and integration with) the existing rail network will be examined.

One of the aims of the Shared Transport Hub in Otley would be to more easily connect longer journeys, for example by a potential link to a train station, or better facilities that would make it easier for someone to walk to the town centre, and then carry on their journey elsewhere without needing to use a car.