FAQs
The project
How were the areas chosen for improvements?
Wakefield city centre was chosen in autumn 2023 as a priority for investment, focusing on areas that have been overlooked in the past. Heavy traffic in the area makes walking and cycling less appealing, and this project aims to change that by creating safer, more accessible routes for everyone. The selected areas were identified as locations with a high risk of road traffic collisions and have a main or large road running through that can be difficult to cross safely or creates an issue in accessing destinations.
The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans: Wakefield also identified where there is a lack of safe pedestrian crossings and active travel infrastructure.
Who is responsible for delivering the scheme?
This scheme is being delivered in partnership between West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield City Counci. The Combined Authority works with local councils and businesses to ensure that everyone in our region benefits from a strong, successful economy and a modern, accessible transport network. To learn more about the Combined Authority, visit: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk(External link).
Who will carry out the improvements work?
Subject to approval of the business case by the Combined Authority, Wakefield City Council will implement the works by utilising their in-house team or existing relationships with contractors.
What are the timescales for delivering this scheme?
Each project within the West Yorkshire Places Programme may be delivered at slightly different times, but construction is expected to take place between January 2026 and January 2027.
The proposals
Build outs/road width restrictions
Humps (sleeping policemen)
Pinch point
Speed cushions
Speed limits
Speed tables
Side road treatment
Will all of the measures be implemented?
The project teams at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council have made a full list of all the measures they could possibly put in place. This is to give people the opportunity to comment on the full list of options. Due to funding constraints some measures may not be implemented.
How do we decide what measures to put in place?
Your feedback will be gathered through the online and paper surveys, pins dropped on the map and any verbal feedback at in person events will be taken into account. The resulting engagement report will outline what the priorities are for the communities in each area, and this will be used to inform the final decision on what measures will be prioritised. Once the preferred option has been determined by the Combined Authority and Wakefield Council, final approval will be sought for the Full Business Case in October 2025. The decision will be endorsed by the CA’s Transport Committee and CRSTS board.
What traffic calming measures are you putting in place?
Traffic calming measures are physical features provided along a road to encourage drivers to reduce speed. These features are introduced for the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.
What measures can be put in place can depend on things like, how wide the road is, how busy the road is and what kind of traffic comes along the road.
Some suggestions of traffic calming measures that could be implemented across the West Yorkshire Places Schemes (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield):
Decisions on what traffic calming measures would suit the area in the Wakefield walking improvements project have not been made. Your feedback will help us make these decisions.
Full definitions of words can be found in our glossary.
Where can I find definitions of words used in the consultation?
Any technical language definitions can be found in our Glossary
Having my say
Who can I contact if I have any questions or want to find out more?
You can ask a question using the Q&A function on www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wy-places or email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
How can I have my say?
The engagement period will take place from 19 March to 30 April 2025. Members of the public can have their say via www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wy-places or email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk. We are keen to hear from residents, businesses, and anyone travelling in this area.
How will we ensure the engagement will be accessible to people who do not have access to the Internet?
Posters and leaflets will be distributed in Wakefield, with members of the project team attending drop-in events at Wakefield One and Wakefield Bus Station. Anyone who cannot access the survey online and needs to request an alternative format can contact MetroLine on 0113 245 7676.
Paper copies will also be made available at Wakefield One. These can be returned to FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA with no stamp required.
How will people be kept informed on the progress of the scheme?
You can register to follow the project and have your say in any future consultations at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/wy-places We will publish a report on the engagement response on this website.
How can I have my say on schemes in my area?
Details of the CRSTS consultations and engagements, along with consultations on many other schemes, can be found at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk, where you can register to hear directly about new consultations in your area.
You can also get in touch with the Combined Authority’s Communities, Consultation and Engagement team by emailing YourVoice@westyorksca-gov.uk(External link), by calling Metroline on 0113 245 7676, or by writing to FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA
Funding
How is this programme funded?
Subject to a successful business case approval, all four local authority areas in the West Yorkshire Places scheme will be funded by City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).
The initial cost of the scheme as a whole is expected to be £5.1 million, with the project in Wakefield expected to cost £1.2 million
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been allocated £830 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which is aimed at providing an integrated and inclusive transport network and was made possible thanks to the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal. This work will build on the significant investment already being made in making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport around West Yorkshire.
You can read more about the CRSTS here: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/projects/city-regional-sustainable-transport-settlement-crsts-and-levelling-up-fund/(External link)
Can this money be spent on other projects or improvements?
The money given for CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement) schemes by the Department for Transport is known as capital funding. This money can only be spent on the schemes agreed by CRSTS. This means CRSTS money cannot be spent elsewhere.