Fears have been voiced that trans-Pennine road improvements could bring more traffic onto the Aire Valley’s already-congested routes.

A new study examining transport links between Yorkshire and Lancashire could have a serious impact on the district, it is claimed.

Now Bradford councillor Adrian Naylor, who represents the Craven ward, is demanding to know why West Yorkshire’s Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) has not been involved.

The M65 to Yorkshire Corridor Study, commissioned by Lancashire County Council, has received input from the neighbouring North Yorkshire authority.

“We can see the start of planning for a new transport link from the M65 to the Aire Valley which would bring a lot more traffic into a road system which is already at capacity,” said Coun Naylor.

“The issue for this area is that Lancashire and North Yorkshire county councils are discussing and planning their new transport infrastructure but why isn’t West Yorkshire’s ITA party to these discussions?”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire ITA confirmed it had not been involved in any recent discussions with Lancashire County Council, but added it would endeavour to find out more about the study.