Drivers need to be on the lookout in Leeds for new bus-only roads, as they could now be fined for driving in them.
Council bosses have installed new bus gates in Leeds City Centre which will demarcate new bus-only roads.
Drivers will need to have their wits about them to make sure they don't end up in the wrong lane, or they could be hit with a hefty fine.
The new gates have been installed as part of Leeds City Council's 'Connecting Leeds programme' - which has seen a huge overhaul to a number of bus stops including those on The Headrow, Cookridge Street, Park Row and Infirmary Street.
Other recent improvements to the network include the reopening of Vicar Lane in both directions for the first time since 1964, allowing buses to travel easily between The Headrow and North Street.
Elsewhere, Cookridge street is currently closed to traffic whilst Park Row has been converted into a one-way street. Infirmary Street is now two-ways, but has been made bus-only
The council is also reportedly planning to activate cameras and enforcement across the city centre over the coming months, which will put drivers in a sticky position with fines if they're caught driving in the wrong lane.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate said: “I am delighted that these much-anticipated schemes have been completed and would like to thank people for their patience over the past two years, in particular the businesses and residents based in the work areas.
"Like any city centre project, this work was always going to be challenging and with the added pressures of the COVID pandemic and reduced workforces our contractors and partners have had to work extra hard to complete the schemes efficiently. We have fortunately been able to take advantage of the quieter roads and pavements during lockdowns and worked alongside our stakeholders to rejig the programmes and ensure key areas were mostly completed to coincide with reopening.
"We all want the city centre to be an inviting place for people to visit and the work we are doing to prioritise public and active travel creates a nicer environment for everyone. These new green spaces we have made, and continue to make, give people a new and welcoming place to relax and take in the buzz of the city.
"The council has set an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2030 and it’s schemes such as these which reduce car dominance and promote active travel options that will help us to achieve our goals.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “I am pleased to see that people are at the heart of these schemes, all of which play a huge part in transforming the city’s bus network, reducing car dominance in the city centre, providing high-quality cycle facilities and new public spaces.
"Improved public transport will be a vital part of the inclusive and sustainable economic recovery that our region needs and I am especially pleased to see the benefits for bus passengers, walkers and cyclists that these schemes provide.”
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Deliveroo to bring robot food deliveries to Leeds in major UK rollout
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are set to bring robot deliveries to Leeds through a new strategic partnership.
Next time you order a takeaway...let's just say, it could look a little different.
In the new exclusive partnership, Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are launching in multiple locations, beginning with Canary Wharf in London this October, before launching here in Leeds as well as Milton Keynes, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months.
The rollout marks Coco Robotic's entry into the UK, extending the company’s broader expansion across Europe.
While the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s rider network, Coco’s fully electric robots are suited to short-distances and navigating urban environments, offering additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform.
The robots operate at walking place, meaning they're able to move safely through busy streets whilst carrying orders directly to customers.
Image: Supplied
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International: “London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies.
“We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.
“Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo.
“We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents.”
Tesco unveils Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026 and confirms official launch date
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially unveiled its Christmas Meal Deal menu for 2026, and has revealed when it’ll be arriving in stores.
Spooky season may not have even arrived yet, but it won’t be long before the most wonderful time of the year is here and most of the UK’s major supermarkets have already started stocking their shelves with Christmas food, drink, and gifts galore.
Tesco has now unveiled all the sandwiches and snacks forming part of its iconic lunchtime meal deal selection.
10 new seasonal mains and sides have been launched this year, as well as some classics and returning fan favourites too.
Images: Tesco
The retailer says its food on-the-go experts have worked hard to bring a variety of festive flavours and great-quality ingredients together this year, with something on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Available in stores and online from next week, with Tesco Clubcard members paying just £3.80 or £5.50 to upgrade to a Premium Meal Deal, some of the all-new main options you can choose from in 2026’s festive lineup include the Fully Loaded Chicken, Stuffing, Braised Red Cabbage & Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, the Christmas Triple Sandwich, and the Pork Meatball Wrap with smoky sage and onion mayonnaise.
Other returning favourites include the Brie and Cranberry Sandwich, the Currywurst Sausage Sub, and the absolute classic Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.
For veggies and vegans, there’s a new Tesco Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap, and for those who follow a gluten free diet, you can grab the Gluten Free Festive Chicken & Trimmings sandwich.
When it comes to snacks to accompany those mains, the festive Mini Pork Pies and Pig in Blanket Sausage Rolls are returning to the lineup this year, alongside some new additions like the Pretzels with Salted Caramel Soft Cheese Dip, and Mini Cheese Twists.
The 2026 Tesco Christmas Meal Deal range will be in stores across the UK from Monday 12 October, and there’s thousands of combinations to try.
Georgina Pellant -
13th August 2021 
