Video: Protesters rail over Leeds trolleybus scheme

Councillors on the city centre plans panel were due to discuss the trolleybus and campaigners planned to express their opposition as they arrived, with strongly worded placards.

Campaigner Bill McKinnon said: “The trolleybus scheme is an expensive white elephant which will cost £250 million and provide just 20 trolleybuses on a single route. The same money could provide 800 battery powered buses that would serve the entire city.

“The construction would be hugely disruptive to businesses along the route. Many fear that the loss of trade might drive them to the wall.”

He said each trolleybuses would carry 160 passengers, but provide seating for just 60.

The Department for Transport estimates that the delays caused to vehicles by giving trolleybus priority at junctions, will cost business up to £221 million.