The success of our high streets and town centres depends on people being able to get to them easily - whether they choose to walk, cycle, drive, or use public transport. Our high streets should be welcoming, accessible, and easy to find your way around.

If we want to boost footfall, we need to make sure that every type of transport link is fit for purpose. Cycling, walking, buses and trains are generally the focus for low-carbon transport development, but cars are here to stay, so congestion, emissions and parking all need to factor into plans. There is also growing interest in pedestrianised high streets that can improve the visitor experience.

There is an increasing understanding of how reducing our carbon footprint can positively impact on the economy and our social lives. The importance of having access to clean, green spaces near high streets has been brought into sharp focus because of the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns.

The story so far

Dewsbury train station

This vital gateway into the town centre has been given a major revamp. There are improved crossing facilities, giving priority to people over vehicles and a far more attractive entrance to the town for visitors and commuters.

The Transforming Cities Fund travel improvement schemes aim to improve connectivity.

Projects for Dewsbury include:

Dewsbury walking and cycling

The aims of this scheme are to:

• Improve pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the town, including crossings and upgraded street lighting.
• Improve the links from the railway station to the bus station with new cycle lanes and cycle facilities, improved paths, safety measures and better access across the ring road.

Dewsbury-Batley-Chidswell travel corridor

The aims of this scheme are to:

• Create a safer, more accessible, and attractive environment for people to walk, cycle and take public transport.
• Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by empowering people to travel more sustainably and reduce reliance on cars.
• Upgrade bus stops along the route to supply better live passenger information and waiting facilities.
• Improve access between new homes, jobs, and local services.

Dewsbury bus station

The aims of this scheme are to:

• Transform passenger facilities and enhance customer experience.
• Improve accessibility and safety for all bus station users.
• Upgrade retail at the bus station.
• Help regenerate Dewsbury town centre and make it easier for people to travel between the town centre and the bus station.
• Boost walking and cycling access.
• Make the bus station more energy efficient.

A638 Dewsbury - Cleckheaton sustainable travel corridor

This project involves a series of travel improvements along the A638 between Dewsbury and Cleckheaton, as well as improvements to the Heckmondwike Bus Hub, and the Spen Valley Greenway and Spen Ringway.

What's next?

Transpennine route upgrade

The town features as part of the plans for the multi-billion pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) . This game-changing investment in rail infrastructure will bring improved and more reliable rail services to Dewsbury, wider Kirklees and beyond.

We are determined for the benefits of transport innovation to be enjoyed by everyone, wherever they live, including those living and working in rural areas.