RENEWED calls for transport investment have been made after a survey revealed that Bradford's roads are among the most congested in the country.

Motorists in the Bradford and Leeds area last year wasted around 29 hours stuck in traffic, a rise of four hours on 2013.

The two West Yorkshire cities have the eighth worst record for congestion in the UK, according to traffic information provider INRIX which revealed the UK is now the fifth worst for traffic in Europe.

The growth in the UK economy, and falls in unemployment, have led to more private and commercial vehicles on the roads, according to the survey.

Population growth is also playing a part in adding to rising congestion. The UK's population grew by 491,100 last year to reach a record high.

London is now Europe's most congested city, with drivers spending 96 hours per year stuck in traffic, a rise of 14 hours.

Bryan Mistele, president of INRIX, said: "For the third year running, traffic in the UK is up."

News of rising congestion in West Yorkshire was no surprise to James Vasey, of Bradford Rail Users Group, who believes even modest investment in train carriages and parking at railway stations would help ease congestion.

He believes a secure car park off junction one of the M606 would encourage drivers to use Low Moor railway station when it opens next year.

"This will take traffic off the main M62 corridor and transfer those who wouldn't have travelled by rail in south Bradford. It would prevent congestion on roads in Low Moor," he added.

He said improved signposting to stations would also help.

"The rail network isn't perfect, but it is better than many people believe. However, many stations, such as Baildon have very little signage to direct pedestrians or drivers to the station," Mr Vasey said.

Improving the frequency of train services was also key, he said.

"We need to improve the frequency of services through the district and out towards Leeds into a 'turn-up and go' timetable, where you don't need to know what time the train is due, because you know that there will always be another train within 15 minutes," he said.

He said these proposals need not involve finding vast sums of money.

However, expensive projects must be considered in the longer term, said Mr Vasey.

"Light rail has regularly been floated as a possible option for the city. We need to grab the opportunity and invest in rapid transit, either light rail/trams and get people moving across the city," he said.

"Bradford needs to propose a serious business case for a rapid train/tram system through the city centre and out to the airport, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Euroway, Five Lane Ends, Tong Lane, the existing rail stations and the city centre, and the key population centres in the core Bradford district. Only then will we be able to get the city moving."

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