A multi-million pound congestion-busting road scheme has been welcomed by the Transport Secretary.

The £50 million final stage of Leeds' vital Inner Ring Road was officially opened today by Geoff Hoon, who also saw progress on the soon-to-be-completed £32m East Leeds Link Road during his visit to the city.

The schemes, which will ease congestion, improve journey times, allow for public transport improvements and help regeneration, have benefited from £65m of Government funding.

Geoff Hoon said: "I am delighted to be in Leeds today to officially open the final stage of the Inner Ring Road and see the excellent progress being made towards completing the East Leeds Link Road.


"These crucial schemes will see thousands of motorists a day benefit from free-flowing traffic, allow for further public transport improvements and attract further development and investment in the city. I congratulate Leeds City Council and its partners on their excellent work."

The Leeds Inner Ring Road will connect to the M621 and wider motorway network, and the route will see through-traffic removed from the city centre.

This will help traffic flow smoothly around Leeds, improving journey times and easing congestion in the city centre and surrounding areas of Hunslet and Holbeck.

Mr Hoon added: "The Government is contributing £14.8m towards this important scheme which will connect the Inner Ring Road with the M1, improving access to the Aire Valley regeneration area and providing traffic relief to the densely populated areas of east Leeds."

During his visit to West Yorkshire, the Transport Secretary also met with the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority.

(JM)