CALLS are being made for a greater use of public transport across Aireborough instead of an expensive airport link road under consideration.

Major improvements to bus services along the A65 are being welcomed by Aireborough Civic Society, and the group is calling for more improvements to reduce congestion.

Chairman, Clive Woods, argues a link road is not the best way forward. He said the group is campaigning to improve public transport in the area and wanted to see more people leaving their cars at home.

He added: "It does seem strange that politicians are considering spending millions on a road link from Rawdon to the airport that will actually increase traffic in our area, rather than making improvements that would be far cheaper and would encourage more of us to use bus services instead of driving."

The group says improved bus services to Leeds, Guiseley and Otley mean passengers can now get to Otley, Harrogate, Headingley, Shipley, Leeds and Bradford in less than 40 minutes – except at peak times – and Leeds Bradford Airport in ten minutes.

The Civic Society is campaigning to reduce journey times along the A65 between Rawdon and Guiseley by the introduction of bus lanes, where possible.

It is also calling for a 20-minute bus service to the new Apperley Bridge Railway Station when it opens, the restoration of the 33 service to Ilkley, more early evening buses to Leeds, lower fares for local journeys, better Sunday morning services and better control of traffic lights on the A65 and A658 to reduce congestion.

In a statement issued this week, the society added: "All those living in the Guiseley, Menston, Rawdon and Yeadon area know how bad congestion is on local roads, especially the A65 and A658, in particular at weekends and peak times.

"All the recent housebuilding in the past ten years (more than 2,500, not including large developments in nearby Apperley Bridge) has lead to many more cars on local roads, leading to more congestion and air pollution.

"Obviously, the easiest, cleanest and cheapest solution to the problem is for more of us to use public transport, where possible, and for car owners to try and leave their vehicles at home. Our area has a greater proportion of journeys made by car than most other parts of Leeds. Not only does that mean more waiting in traffic queues, but more air pollution."

Leeds City Council has unveiled three potential schemes to improve access to the airport, including two for new link roads.

But the schemes were attacked last week as "myopic and mediocre" by the Campaign for Better Transport, West and North Yorkshire Rail Group.

Releasing details of the proposals, the council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, Councillor Richard Lewis, said: "Improving road access to Leeds Bradford Airport and tackling congestion issues on the local network is a priority for the city and region, but we need to do it right, which is why we are releasing this information now so people can see what we are proposing ahead of the full consultation process."