The city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, part of the metropolitan borough of Bradford, is one of the largest urban conurbations in the country, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. The city we see today was founded on wealth that came from involvement in the wool trade, and by the early 19th century, Bradford had established itself as the wool capital of the world. At its height, there were over 200 mill chimneys visible on the Bradford skyline. Now, only remnants of the textile trade remain and Bradford today is home to the head offices of a number of major national companies, including Morrisons, the Yorkshire Building Society, Provident Financial and Bradford University – home to almost 12,000 students and one of the city’s biggest employers. Enterprise has three branches in Bradford: they are situated on Queens Road, Sticker Lane and Conor Worth Way.
Bradford has several bus lanes, especially near the city centre. Check signs for restricted hours, as driving in these lanes at the wrong time can lead to fines.
The city’s terrain includes steep roads, particularly around residential areas and routes towards the Pennines. Practise hill starts and keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
Bradford features large and complex roundabouts such as Five Lane Ends. Approach slowly, choose the correct lane early and signal clearly when exiting.
While Bradford does not currently have a full congestion charge, clean air zones apply to certain vehicle types. Check your vehicle compliance before travelling.
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours and near shopping areas. Use route planners to avoid congestion and allow extra time for parking in the city centre.
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