A regional daily has called for government action on transport on its patch by writing its own ‘to do’ list for the minister responsible.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has launched its ‘Unlock the Gridlock’ campaign with the aim of fixing the “creaking transport network” in Leeds.

HTFP reported before Christmas how the YEP had invited Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to visit the city to see the problems for himself – an offer he has since accepted.

But the newspaper splashed on Wednesday on a ‘to do’ list for Mr Shapps, including a pledge to consider a new mass transit system for Leeds and improvements to buses and trains.

Editor Laura Collins told HTFP: “Transport is an issue that has dominated the front page of the Yorkshire Evening Post countless times in the last few weeks and months. And yet the conundrum of trying to get Leeds out of the slow lane with its creaking transport network is something that isn’t proving to be an easy fix.

“Last month Transport Secretary Grant Shapps accepted our open invitation to visit our city this week and see firsthand the issues that many of our readers face as they battle to get from one side of Leeds to another. We’re looking forward to meeting him and showing him first hand the issues are readers face on a daily basis.

“Everyone in Leeds has a stake in being able to get to and from their homes, their places of work and across Leeds without having to worry about the transport nightmares many of us face. It’s impacting on people’s lives and ultimately their livelihoods at the end of the day.

“And that is why the Yorkshire Evening Post has launched its Unlock the Gridlock campaign. Our city deserves actions rather than empty promises to help ease the pressure on its woeful transport infrastructure in a bid to finally unlock the gridlock.”