It is acknowledged that the unacceptable increase in HGV traffic along Leeds/Wakefield Road is directly related to the industrial and distribution developments in Stourton, and Cross Green, and that in turn this growth is directly related to the construction of the M1-A1 link, now a few years old. Without the M1-A1 link the scale of industrial and distribution development would have been significantly reduced because of planning and highways issues.
The M1-A1 link opened up acres of developable land, and what better location for industrial and distribution developments than right next to the M1 motorway with direct links to both the M62 and the A1 - no real argument.
Interesting then to consider the justification for the M1-A1 Link, Lofthouse - Bramham, that can be found here Roads review - what role for trunk roads in England?
........to relieve congestion, improve the environment and enhance road safety on the local road network by removing through traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles, from unsuitable roads in Central and East Leeds and to provide additional capacity to meet future predicted traffic growth.
