A key element of the vision for the city centre was the need to reduce and eventually remove city centre traffic and create a pedestrian friendly central area.

The emerald ring is a combination of re-designing of the existing road network (Kirkgate, Marsh Way, Ings Road) and the creation of new sections as part of the city's regeneration projects:

• Marsh Way at Trinity Walk,
• Halfords Gyratory at the Waterfront and
• Mulberry Way at Lower Westgate, Merchant Gate.