Leeds Council Urges Road Safety Awareness This October

Vision Zero campaign focuses on reducing road injuries and fatalities

As daylight hours shorten this autumn, Leeds City Council has renewed its Vision Zero campaign to promote road safety across the city. The initiative aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Leeds’ roads by encouraging safer behaviour among both pedestrians and motorists during the darker mornings and evenings.

Engagement with local schools

Throughout October, the council’s Travel Behaviour Team is visiting 12 local schools to speak with pupils about the importance of wearing bright clothing when travelling to and from school. The team advises children to walk in well-lit areas, use footways, cross roads at designated crossing points, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.

Advice for motorists

Drivers are being encouraged to adapt their behaviour to the changing conditions by:

• Allowing extra time for journeys due to increased road activity
• Reducing speeds in poor weather or low visibility
• Staying focused on the road and avoiding distractions
• Being vigilant for pedestrians and other road users

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, highlighted the progress made since the campaign’s launch in 2022 but emphasised that “the only acceptable number of deaths on our roads is zero.” He stressed the importance of continued vigilance and positive behaviour from all road users to maintain and improve safety trends.

Community events and additional activities

In addition to school visits, the campaign mascot Arlo the Owl will appear at Leeds Light Night 2026 from 27 to 29 October. Visitors to the ‘Reflective Owls’ installation at Leeds City Museum will have the opportunity to learn more about Vision Zero, sign a safety pledge, and consider how to stay safe on the roads during winter.

The Travel Behaviour Team will also support the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at a Road Safety Day at Horsforth High School on 22 October, following a similar event at Temple Moor High School earlier in the month.

Additional safety checks are planned, including:

• Car seat and tyre checks at Armley Leisure Centre on 22 October, in partnership with Good Egg Safety and TyreSafe
• Tyre safety checks at Skelton Lake Services on 26 October, supported by TyreSafe and National Highways

These activities form part of the council’s broader efforts to raise awareness and encourage safer travel behaviour throughout the darker months.