Transport
In 1918 the centre of Leicester would have seen people walking, bicycles, trams, buses, cars, and carts being pulled by hand or with horses. Three main train stations, plus one of the country's oldest stations, at West Bridge, and several suburban stations provided rail transport to all corners of the country. The years up to 1939 saw an increase in private car ownership, the introduction of motor buses to complement the trams, and the establishment of an aero-club and airport at Braunstone.
By 1918, planners had already recognised the impact of the car and in the 1920s Mayor Arthur Wakerley wrote articles about the need for new roads to cope with the increasing traffic. The Leicestershire Regional Planning Report of 1932 outlined new dual carriageway roads that would improve transport links, while the City started a new publicity office in the 1930s to accomodate the growing number of motoring tourists.
In 1932 Charles Street was built at a cost of £1 million to ease congestion around the clocktower. Although WW2 stopped other developments, there was a planning exhibition in Leicester Museum during the war and the work to modernise Leicester and cope with the rise of the car continued for many years. See our Town Planning page for more information.
The photos below show that, in 1927, Leicester Tramways Department ran buses as well as trams.
Further reading and listening
Memories of working on the railways - On the Railways
Memories of life on the canals - Canal Memories
Memories of working on the trams - Leicester's Tram's