YP Comment: Yorkshire's railway woes must not be forgotten in push for HS2

Northern, which runs local trains across Yorkshire, has been urged to look again at changes to timetables which local authorities say will leave some passengers with a worse service. The company has even been accused of breaking promises made as part of its franchise agreement, which the Arriva Trains subsidiary began operating in April 2016.

When the franchise was announced by the Government in December 2015, Arriva committed to operating an extra 2,000 services a week, with extra seats available on the busiest routes.

But now the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has criticised Northern’s proposed timetable from next May, which it says will not provide enough early-morning and evening services. Northern says ‘nothing is set in stone’ but the situation facing already hard-pressed commuters used to ageing trains, slow journeys and overcrowding stands in stark contrast to the eye-watering sums being argued over for HS2.

Campaign group Stop HS2 has claimed the scheme could end up costing around £200bn, while Mr Grayling insists it will be delivered within its £55.7bn budget. Even if the Government’s case that HS2 will deliver vital and lasting benefits to Yorkshire is accepted, on the best-case scenario the route will not be up and running in the county for another 16 years.

It is absolutely right that the Government delivers the country the future transport infrastructure it requires. But dealing with the problems of the present must not fall by the wayside.

Parking headache

The shocking figures tell their own story – more than 4,000 fines were handed out to motorists in Yorkshire for parking in restricted areas outside schools last year.

With an investigation by The Yorkshire Post revealing a further 1,360 cases were recorded across the county in the first three months of this year, this is a problem that shows no sign of disappearing.

The simple fact is selfish drivers are putting children’s lives at risk by parking dangerously and illegally. The situation has led to fights reportedly breaking out between parents, and protests being staged outside some schools.

It is particularly unacceptable when it is parents themselves parking on ‘keep clear’ markings or yellow lines near school gates to save themselves a few seconds. Those engaging in such behaviour should consider the example they are setting to their children.

For those families lucky enough to live within walking distance of their child’s school, a common sense solution is available. Walking to school has multiple benefits; helping to tackle rising childhood obesity levels, reducing parking problems and cutting congestion on our region’s dangerously-polluted roads.

A timely report by the IPPR North think-tank has warned the Government must do more to address the crisis of toxic fumes killing thousands in the UK’s regional cities, including by promoting electric cars.

While Government action is required on the wider issue of pollution, tackling illegal parking around schools is one problem those who do have to use the car can help tackle by adhering to the rules of the road.

Back the bid

The hard work has already been going on for three years and now Leeds is just 100 days away from submitting its official bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.

The impact that winning the accolade would have on the city cannot be underestimated. Liverpool, the last British city to hold the title in 2008, enjoyed a £750m boost to the local economy and perhaps more importantly, increased the number of residents who said they were proud to live there by 82 per cent.

After years of preparatory work by city leaders, now ordinary people need to come together to show their support. Those representing what is the only bid from northern England have promised to ensure the benefits are shared with the rest of Yorkshire.

There are myriad ways to get involved with everything from putting forward ideas to offering sponsorship.

The competition will be fierce. But Leeds must grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.