By Michael Broomhead, Multimedia Local Democracy Reporter
Campaigners are urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce “proper devolution” to ensure West Yorkshire finally gets a tram network.
In 2024, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) set out plans for a £2.5 billion tram system, including a line running through West Leeds between Leeds and Bradford.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had hoped trams would be running in West Yorkshire by the early-2030s.
But last December – after a Government review – it emerged her ambition is unlikely to happen until the end of the 2030s.
That Government review urged WYCA to “take a more sequential approach” to the proposed tram network
Campaigners have now told the new Prime Minister that “Number 10 needs to get out of the way” and urgently devolve powers from London to West Yorkshire so a mass transit system actually happens here.
The Government insisted it was “putting power in local hands”, while WYCA said it was currently preparing a document which will be submitted to the Government as part of the business case process for the planned scheme.
Gareth Forest, of the West Yorkshire Needs A Tram campaign group, said: “The Department for Transport (DfT), the Treasury and Number 10 have no business interfering with the transport network we want here in West Yorkshire.
“Until that changes, we won’t see a mass transit system here in West Yorkshire – despite whatever plans come out of the mayor’s office and despite whatever promises Andy Burnham makes.
“Our message to him is simple – we need proper devolution.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country, including West Yorkshire.
“That’s why we’re putting power in local hands by devolving Transport and Works Act orders, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit, and backing this with £2.1 billion in transport funding for West Yorkshire to take forward the project.”
According to the Government, Transport and Works Act Orders can “empower mayors to operate mass transit systems”, and a consultation is to take place in the autumn on the scope of the powers to be devolved.
A WYCA spokesperson added: “This Government is committed to devolution and we welcome its enthusiastic support for a mass transit system in West Yorkshire.
“We are currently preparing our Mass Transit Strategic Outline Case document and expect to submit this to the Government later this year.
“We welcome engagement and dialogue with a wide range of local stakeholders to keep them updated on progress around how we are helping to create a better-connected West Yorkshire.”
Mayor Brabin has repeatedly said there would be “spades in the ground by 2028” for a tram system in West Yorkshire.
The tram through west Leeds parallel to the rail line is absolutely bonkers!
“The Department for Transport (DfT), the Treasury and Number 10 have no business interfering with the transport network we want here in West Yorkshire………… well as they will be footing the bill I think they just might!
Electric buses and a few more bus lanes make trams in west Yorkshire a non-starter. Have you noticed how “cool” Leeds council are over all this… TWICE bitten THRICE shy.