Bradford Council says pedestrianization improves safety after £43M city center project. Some question accessibility.
However, some question the practicality and accessibility of the changes, especially for elderly and disabled people. The redesign of Market Street, in particular, has raised concerns.
The council maintains the area is now modern and pedestrianized, making it easier for walking, wheelchairs, and scooters. Fewer obstacles exist and rest areas have been added.
This follows criticism from a taxi driver, Shabir Munir, who stated several problems, suggesting poor choices by the council. He mentioned the closure of the east-west road.
Munir used to drive straight to the station. Now, he must drive around the city, adding ten minutes to the journey, an issue worsening during peak hours.
He thinks extra travel increases pollution and worries about the Clean Air Zone. Munir wants easy access for everyone, feeling the walk is too long, especially for elderly customers who dislike the longer walking distances. Some stores are closing and he thinks it looks nice.
Munir also questions the impact on emergency vehicles and their travel times. Before, emergency vehicles crossed easily; now, everyone goes around the city.
The council stated they talked with emergency services, who have access plans and procedures. The services had no concerns, they claim.
Munir mentioned the relocated taxi rank, now farther from Bradford Interchange. This impacts wheelchair users and visitors, raising concerns for the 2025 City of Culture.
Munir says the rank was outside the station curb. Now taxis pick up outside the car park, making it less convenient for wheelchair users. The old rank has picnic benches.
The council explained how improvements help disabled people and will review city center parking soon. They plan new disabled parking spaces.
New bays are on Hall Ings, Bridge Street, and Sunbridge Road. The council claims more disabled spaces exist and are closer to the Interchange entrance.
The review will add a drop-off bay for private cars and taxis outside the Victoria Hotel on Bridge Street, accessible via Hall Ings and Drake Street.
The project uses the Transforming Cities Fund from the Department for Transport, meaning this money cannot be used for anything else.