I'd second daveyjp's comments, M62 in either direction is congested at commuter times, not only that, the local paper in Huddersfield has reported an accident, with lane or (complete) closures almost every day for the last two years; the probability of consequent long delays is high.

A friend uses the train from Huddersfield to Leeds each day, always horribly overcrowded at rush hour, I don't know how the Halifax route compares.

(We used to have a guy commute to Huddersfield from the Manchester area, a little fellow, one day when he tried to get off he was swept back on by the rush and taken to Leeds!)

Your compensating factors in coming from the South are cheaper housing and nice scenery within easy reach.

Tell me about it. I am from the northwest myself, and am sick of having to rent a tiny, damp and rodent-infested 2 bed flat for the price of 2 x 4 bed houses up there! I am used to a 40-min cycle ride to get into work. Shame i can't do that on the m62 (sounds like i would get there quicker)!

Right - a further question on the Huddersfield area to Manchester commute - how much of a difference does half term make? Been monitoring traffic delays this morning (0600-0900) and they don't seem to be as bad as I expected. Is this due to reduced traffic because of half-term, just a good day or both?

It will make a difference, however the first traffic report I heard today was at 6.45am.

Accident M62 junction 16 Prestbury - reduced lanes for Manchester bound traffic, heavy congestion.

I always find the heaviest traffic is November leading to Christmas and put it down to very few people being on holiday. Check the traffic levels after this week.