Anger as 'perfectly legal' parked cars block Leeds buses from leaving station

A Leeds bus station has been plagued by parked cars blocking its exit - and in some cases this has been entirely legal.

‘Hundreds, if not thousands,’ of commuters have been blocked into a Wetherby Bus Station over the years as cars are legally allowed to park on the exit road from the station. Passengers were reportedly stuck in the bus station exit for about '20 minutes' at the beginning of November.

The station is located on a corner that must go around a bend on Castle Gate to get back onto the main road. Castle Gate is a narrow street, occupied by a pizzeria and café, and it has double yellow lines.

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According to the Highway Code, "double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions." But there are exceptions for blue badge holders, who, according to the Leeds City Council website, can "park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours."

But critics say more needs to be done, since buses are unable to pass by the cars. After receiving complaints from bus operators, Leeds City Council has said it is ‘currently exploring additional measures,’ like the inclusion of a ‘no-stopping’ area on Castle Gate.

Paul Kirby, the editor for Wetherby Free Press, says he has been asking Leeds City Council to make changes to the road for three years. He has shared several images of different buses being obstructed by the cars.

The double lines on the road had not been repainted since the 1980s until they were finally repainted on October 20.

Paul said: “It’s inconvenienced hundreds, if not thousands, of bus passengers over the years. It’s a simple problem and it should be resolved whether it’s the Highways Agency or the transport authority, and the local counsellors, they need to make things happen.

“It’s perfectly legal for blue badge holders to park there for three hours. It nowhere near resolves the problem, it’s obvious you need big signs saying it’s a bus station exit either painted on the road or gridlines.”

The station currently has buses that travel to locations which include Leeds city centre, Harrogate, Knaresborough, York, Tadcaster and Otley, among various other towns and village.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The recent refurbishment of the parking measures along Castle Gate in Wetherby was implemented in response to concerns raised by bus operators who were being physically obstructed from leaving the bus station, due to parked vehicles.

“We are currently exploring additional measures which could be introduced to ensure buses are not obstructed and can continue to leave the bus station freely. These may include the introduction of a ‘no-stopping’ area on Castle Gate.

“We remain committed to monitoring the situation and welcome feedback from residents and local businesses.”

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