Leeds United: Elland Road expansion seeks to drastically cut percentage of fans coming by car – as tram stance revealed
Travel plans for the expansion of Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium seek to substantially reduce the number of supporters coming to matches by car, it has been revealed.
A report sent to councillors ahead of a decision on January 8 on whether to approve expansion plans which could ultimately take the stadium’s capacity up from 37,645 to 53,000 spectators said the club is due to appoint a travel plan coordinator once permission is granted.
Currently, almost two-thirds (64.5 per cent) of supporters come to games by car, with around 6,000 vehicles parked on nearby streets. But it is intended that little more than one-quarter of supporters will arrive at the stadium by car in future.
The report reveals it is intended to reduce this to 30.5 per cent ahead of the reopening of the expanded West Stand and to 27.5 per cent once that phase of the stadium expansion is complete.
The council report said it is intended there will be “no increase” in the level of on-street parking when the stadium capacity increases. It said that if increases in on-street parking are recorded it is possible resident-only parking zones will be introduced, funded by £500,000 from Leeds United.
In terms of alternative transport arrangements, the report said shuttle buses are due to run from the yet-to-open White Rose railway station while it is anticipated there will be a “large increase” in supporters either walking or catching buses from Leeds railway station, which is two miles from the ground. The plan suggests the number of supporters travelling by rail will double.
It also anticipates the number of people walking to games to “significantly increase”. A £140,200 Section 106 contribution by the club is set to pay for improved signage on three routes to the ground, with further money to be spent on CCTV to improve pedestrian safety.
The report also reveals that the design team for the expansion plan are in “regular dialogue” with West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Leeds City Council (LCC) in regard to ongoing attempts to bring a new tram network to the city.
It said two of the three potential routes under consideration would run past Elland Road.
"Public consultation has taken place on these routes, however there is currently no confirmed finalised route detail at the time of this report,” it added.
It was announced earlier this month that the mass transit scheme – which local officials want to be a tram network – is being delayed for years and may not be delivered until the late 2030s. It is also possible that it may end up being a new bus network.
The council report going to the planning meeting states “extensive negotiations” have taken place to agree a travel plan for the expansion project.
It said: “An enduring and challenging material planning matter in the consideration of this application has been the issue securing and improving the availability of sustainable transportation modes to and from the stadium. Following extensive negotiations and discussions between LUFC, WYCA, National Highways and other third parties, the application proposals now provide a finalised strategy on transport and travel planning which are accompanied by a series of conditioned matters secured through a grant of planning permission.
"This approach is intended to be delivered to not only accommodate a significant modal shift and reduce reliance on the private car to attend matches but will aid in reducing the long-standing burden placed upon residents the surrounding residential area derived from unauthorised or inconsiderate parking as also identified by members of the public and elected members. The proposals would also reconcile and bring up to date LUFC’s strategy on promoting sustainable transport modes to attend games which until now has not been of a standard suitable for a modern stadium serving a Leeds and its best city ambitions.”
A Leeds United spokesperson said: “After extensive discussions with Leeds City Council Highways Department, Leeds United are pleased to have received support for the planning application. The club can today announce one of the most significant Section 106 agreements, which will fund highways improvements around Elland Road and the city of Leeds.
"A sustainable and dynamic travel plan will also be introduced by the club, which hand-in-hand will help address transport and parking issues around Elland Road Stadium on a matchday.”