Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Remove on-street car parking to create a new cycle route or widen the pavement. This might mean there are double yellow lines in places where you can currently park.
Painting bays for each car on the street.
Who is leading on the delivery of this project?
This project is being led by Calderdale Council. The improvements will be paid for by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund. We have worked with local people and councillors to come up with our ideas and will carry on doing this as the project develops.
How will the new proposals for West Halifax be funded?
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been awarded national government funding from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund. It aims to deliver changes to how people travel across the region by improving our streets. It is an important part of our aims to reduce the number of car journeys to help meet a commitment to become a net zero carbon city region by 2038. Click here for more information about the Transforming Cities Fund programme.
Calderdale Council has also received funding for a ‘Streets for People’ approach to this project. The ‘Streets for People’ approach looks at a specific area in detail and examines how the streets can be made better places to walk, cycle, use public transport and generally spend time in, therefore helping them to be a healthier and more attractive environment.
Will COVID-19 restrictions have an impact on the delivery of the project?
Anyone can take part. Please tell your friends and family about it. Whether you live in, work in, or visit West Halifax, your views are valuable to help us develop our ideas.
Please share the link https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/north-halifax with anyone you think would be interested in taking part in the public consultation.
You can submit a joint response on behalf of a group or organisation, please do so by emailing yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk. Please also share the link with your colleagues or members so they have the opportunity to provide an individual response, should they wish to do so.
How will my feedback be used?
We want to understand how people are currently travelling, and what their thoughts are on the current ideas for improvements to make walking and cycling easier and safer in West Halifax. Your feedback will be used by the project team to develop detailed plans for improvements in West Halifax. There will be another, consultation on these more detailed plans later in 2021.
What will the personal information I provide be used for?
All personal information (such as age, postcode, gender) you provide will be anonymised and only used for analysis of the key findings and trends in this consultation. When we look at the feedback, we separate it by things like age and gender which helps us to understand how ideas may affect different groups of people. This helps us to develop our ideas. You can read our Privacy Notice by clicking on this link (opens in a new tab).
What if my comment is about maintenance or upkeep of an existing cycle route or highway?
This consultation is only about the proposals for this project. The best way to report an issue with a road or cycle path is by directly contacting the Calderdale Council Highways Maintenance team by clicking on this link (opens in a new tab).
What if I have a question or concern about a specific place in a Zone, or about a specific idea suggested in the proposals?
We encourage you to take part in the survey and record your thoughts there in questions about the relevant Zone. You can also contact the project team via the YourVoice email inbox (yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk) or ask us a question using the Q&A tool at the bottom of the project page, and we will get back to you with a reply.
The plans are not detailed enough. When will we see more detail?
The proposals as presented are at an early stage of development. We want to know what people think now before we do more detailed design work. There will be a consultation on more detailed design later in 2021.
Will there be any disruption for access to the area during construction?
We currently expect construction to start in 2022 and finish in 2023. Once we have more detailed designs a contractor will be appointed who will firm up the construction dates. We will work closely with the contractor to make sure that the impact on all users, local residents and businesses is as small as possible, but there will be some disruption from road works. We will work closely with businesses and communities most affected to ensure all works are done with the minimum possible impact.
How do I keep up to date with West Halifax Improved Streets for People?
Provide your contact information by clicking on the ‘sign up’ banner on the side of the project page. You will receive information by email about the project. For more information on the project visit Calderdale Council’s ‘Calderdale Next Chapter’ website by clicking this link (opens in a new tab).
For social media updates on this project and other schemes being delivered by Calderdale Council, follow us on: Twitter: @CalderdaleNC | Facebook: Search Calderdale Next Chapter
Are there any proposed improvements for cycling in this area?
This project in West Halifax is focussed mainly on walking improvements which will make walking around the area easier and safer for people living, working or visiting here. Some of the traffic calming measures in these ideas will also improve conditions for people who are cycling. Calderdale Council is also working on another project aimed at improving cycling into Halifax town centre from North Halifax, which you can read about and tell us what you think by following this link: https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/north-halifax
How will these proposals impact parking spaces, spaces for loading or drop-off and Blue Badge parking?
This project is still at an early stage, so some of the detail of how any changes will affect specific parking spaces or loading bays is not known yet. The plans presented as part of this consultation show where we are looking to:
The feedback we receive will be used to shape and further develop the proposals in the next design stages. If the proposals change significantly then further consultation will be required with stakeholders and the public. Wherever Blue Badge parking exists we will look to keep it in the same place or very close nearby.
We know that there are lots of businesses both big and small in West Halifax and each may have its own arrangements in terms of loading and unloading. The consultation gives business owners and those serving businesses a chance to comment on the proposals and identify where, if anywhere, they have concerns relating to this issue.
What do we mean by upgraded traffic signals or smart signal technology?
The very latest traffic signal equipment makes use of sensors and other features to improve traffic flow. They can be used to detect live traffic build up and adjust the ‘green time’ available to help reduce congestion. They can also be used to detect buses as they approach a junction and any traffic signals. They may bring the timing of a green light forward or extend a green light to help the buses keep moving and stay on time.
The priority offered to buses helps recognise that at busy times they may be carrying 60+ people and helping take a lot of vehicles off the roads. The same signals can also be used to detect when people are waiting to cross when traveling on foot and help ensure the traffic is held long enough for them to cross safely.
About Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)
- two new Park & Rides
- one new rail station
- four new foot and cycle bridges
- six new or improved bus stations and interchange hubs
- new high quality cycle routes along six corridors
- bus priority along six key bus routes to create more reliable and faster bus journey times
- 800 new cycle parking spaces
- seven improvements to Rail Station Gateways
- new Real Time Information and improved passenger experience across the network.
- improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people
- take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads by 2036
- make 33 million rail journeys easier by improvements to rail stations
- increase bus, rail, and walking and cycling trips by up to 6%, 4% and 7% respectively by 2036
- reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.5% / 15,000 tonnes from car travel by 2036
- create more than 1,000 jobs and add up to £1 billion to the economy by 2036
- support connectivity to 650 housing sites and 220 employment sites
What is the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme?
Providing an accessible, attractive and cleaner alternative to car journeys is at the heart of Leeds City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) - a major new programme of transport infrastructure investment secured as part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal.
The programme will be funded through £317 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) plus local match funding of up to £140 million.
In partnership with local authorities, the Combined Authority will deliver transformational infrastructure, which will dramatically improve people’s access to walking, cycling and public transport.
It is estimated TCF schemes will improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people, take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads and reduce CO2 emissions from car travel by up to 15,000 tonnes by 2036.
Communities across Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York are set to benefit from the schemes, which include new or improved bus and rail stations, cycling and walking infrastructure, and new Park and Rides. You can find out more about the programme on the Combined Authority’s website by clicking here (opens in a new tab).
What will be delivered through the TCF programme?
The programme will deliver:
Which organisations are involved?
The Combined Authority is working in partnership with local authority colleagues from Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Selby, Wakefield and York councils on the TCF programme.
What benefits will the TCF programme bring?
It is estimated TCF will:
How is the TCF programme funded?
As part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal, the Combined Authority secured £317 million from the DfT’s TCF programme to deliver schemes in the low-cost scenario.
Since then, the Combined Authority has approved the use of future gain share funding, alongside other income streams, to deliver the high-cost scenario up to an additional £140 million.
This additional funding will help us deliver more transport improvements, which will benefit communities across West Yorkshire.
Why is this work important? / Why is this money being spent on TCF at this time?
This work is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
We need to reduce car trips by 21% and increase cycling trips by 2,000%, walking trips by 78%, bus strips by 39% and rail trips by 53% if we are to achieve our ambitious net zero targets in this time frame.
The programme will connect people to economic and education opportunities through accessible, affordable, attractive and cleaner transport, boosting productivity and helping to create healthier and happier communities for the future.
Through the programme and building on the significant progress already made, we are working in partnership to transform our town and city centres for walking and cycling, improve bus reliability and journey times, and investing in our region to prepare for HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Who will benefit?
Communities across Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York are set to benefit from the schemes, which include new or improved bus and rail stations, cycling and walking infrastructure, and new Park and Rides.
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
When do projects get underway?
There are 22 packages of schemes, comprising between 30 and 35 individual projects, within the overall programme.
Different schemes are at different stages, right through from the development of business cases and designs, to gearing up for public consultation, with Halifax Bus Station redevelopment due to start on site in spring 2021.
Find out more information at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
When will the programme of works be completed?
The schemes funded through the DfT need to be delivered by spring 2023, with schemes financed by local match funding being delivered beyond these timescales.
How is the programme impacted by COVID-19?
To date, there has been minimal impact of the programme as a result of COVID-19. The majority of the projects are at the early stages of development and much of the work required can be carried out virtually. As the schemes move to the next stage of delivery, we will continue to monitor the impact and identify any risks to delivery.
We are also looking at best practice ways of delivering public consultations and engagement activity to ensure all members of the community get the opportunity to have their say on TCF schemes during COVID-19.
The full implications of COVID-19 on the region, the economy and the transport system are still to be understood and the impact on the Combined Authority’s programmes and schemes to date has been mixed.
We are working closely with our local authority partners at every level of our appraisal process to ensure delivery timescales have taken into account the current issues and that each scheme is stress tested to ensure its ongoing viability.
In the wake of COVID-19 it is more important than ever to assess the changes to the landscapes of our towns and cities, and the impact on current and future planned schemes, particularly, but not exclusively, those relating to transport.
The impact of COVID-19 in relation to travel behaviour into and around towns and cities is assessed as part of each scheme’s appraisal.
While public transport patronage is currently lower than pre COVID-19 levels, it remains a priority to invest in public transport infrastructure to both help with economic recovery and to have the required infrastructure in place to respond to an increase in demand post-COVID-19.
As part of West Yorkshire’s devolution deal, £317 million was secured to deliver the Leeds City Region TCF programme but it will cost more than this to deliver the schemes outlined in the bid. What does this mean?
A range of options are being developed as part of each business case to determine the best scheme, which will include a range of options up to the high-cost scenario.
As part of the devolution deal, the Combined Authority secured £317 million from the DfT’s TCF to deliver schemes in the low-cost scenario.
Since then, the Combined Authority has approved the use of future gain share funding, alongside other income streams, to deliver the high-cost scenario up to £140 million.
How does TCF complement other transport infrastructure schemes being delivered across the region?
It will build on the significant investment already made through the Combined Authority’s other programmes, such as the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, Connecting Leeds and CityConnect.
Many of the TCF schemes provide enhancements or extensions to the projects being delivered through these programmes, helping to spread the benefits across a wider geography.
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
For more information about the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/projects/west-yorkshire-plus-transport-fund
For more information about Connecting Leeds visit leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/connecting-leeds-and-transforming-travel
For more information about CityConnect visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk
Where can I find out more information?
Find out more information about the Transforming Cities Fund programme at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
How can I have my say on schemes in my area?
Public consultation and engagement activities are scheduled to take place in 2021.
Details of the TCF consultations can be found at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk. You can get in touch with the Combined Authority’s Consultation and Engagement team via YourVoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk, 0113 245 7676 or Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA). Please note that, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of the Combined Authority’s staff are working from home and there will therefore be significant delays in receiving any postal contributions. If you can, please contact the team using another method to ensure a quick response.
How was the bid developed?
The bid was led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with the 10 local authorities across the Leeds City Region. It was developed in two stages, with a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) submitted to the DfT in June 2019. The final bid was submitted to the DfT in November 2019. The bid documents can be found at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
Who was the bid developed with?
The bid was developed in partnership with local authorities across the Leeds City Region, including Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Selby, Wakefield and York. The bid was also co-developed with the DfT, which provided feedback on the plans as they emerged. In line with other Mayoral Combined Authorities, we are required to feedback on the progress of the programme’s delivery.
How were decisions made around which schemes to include in the bid?
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
As part of the bidding process, the Combined Authority was asked to develop a series of schemes, which could be delivered under three different cost scenarios (low, core and high). Each scheme needed to meet the Combined Authority’s priorities, as well as objectives set out by the DfT, such as reducing carbon emissions, and increasing capacity for commuters with better access to employment centres, especially from disadvantaged communities.
Schemes put forward by local authorities were scored against the objectives before being reviewed as a programme. Once agreement had been reached between local authority and Combined Authority officers, the programme was signed off by each of the leaders, as well as members of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee.