THE CORONAVIRUS recovery period offers Leeds a chance to build ‘a greener, cleaner future’.

That is the view of Otley’s MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) who says it is time to make changes so private car use becomes ‘a last resort’ when travelling.

Mr Sobel, reflecting on how a different way of life - including a surge in cycling and walking - was embraced during the COVID-19 lockdown, said: “At present we have a city that can only be reliably navigated with the use of a car, due to our de-regulated, unreliable and expensive bus service.

“Our cycle infrastructure is growing but still insufficient - and pedestrians still feel inferior. None of the measures to transform our city are free and I will be doing all I can in Westminster to push the Government.

“My view is that a future congestion charge would help provide funds for alternatives and the Clean Air Zone will provide the infrastructure to make this much-needed change a reality.”