Leeds Anchors Network Supports Vision Zero Road Safety Campaign

Major employers in Leeds commit to eliminating road deaths by 2040

The Leeds Anchors Network, consisting of 13 of the city’s largest employers across sectors including healthcare, education, local government, culture, and utilities, has formally pledged its support to Leeds City Council’s Vision Zero campaign. The initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on roads in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region by 2040.

This collective commitment is part of the Leeds Anchors Network’s broader strategy to collaborate on key city challenges by leveraging their combined influence in areas such as employment, procurement, and operational practices to benefit local residents.

Commitments made by the Leeds Anchors Network

By endorsing the Vision Zero campaign, the member organisations have agreed to take several actions within their respective institutions, including:

• Promoting safe driving behaviours among staff
• Ensuring fleet safety standards are maintained
• Advocating for safer speed limits in built-up areas
• Supporting sustainable and active travel options for employees

Recently, the network also introduced a new Active Travel Hub map, which identifies locations where staff and residents can access bikes, receive active travel advice, and find support for sustainable journeys.

Statements from key figures

Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University and chair of the Leeds Anchors Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Road safety isn’t just an infrastructure issue; it’s a public health and quality-of-life priority that impacts every single person living and working in Leeds. By aligning our organisations with the Vision Zero strategy, we are making a clear, collective statement.”

He added that the network’s commitment includes updating staff travel policies, reviewing supply chain logistics, and promoting safer commuting habits to contribute to a safer environment.

Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, emphasised the need for collective action: “Leeds has been clear in its ambition to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040, and that ambition can only be achieved through collective action. The commitment from the Leeds Anchors Network demonstrates the vital role our largest organisations play in influencing behaviours, improving safety standards, and supporting a shift towards safer, more sustainable travel.”

He further noted that embedding Vision Zero principles into organisational operations helps create safer streets for all residents, workers, and visitors in Leeds.

About the Leeds Anchors Network

The Leeds Anchors Network brings together major public and private sector institutions in the city to use their local influence, procurement power, and employment practices to support the Leeds economy and community. Members include Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds College, Leeds Trinity University, British Library, Royal Armouries, Northern Gas Networks, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Vision Zero strategy overview

Launched by Leeds City Council in 2022, the Vision Zero strategy aims to eradicate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. It is based on a safe system approach focusing on:

• Safe roads
• Safe behaviours
• Safe speeds
• Safe vehicles
• Effective post-collision response

The strategy emphasises shared responsibility among all road users and organisations to create lasting improvements in road safety.

As part of the campaign, the Vision Zero Pledge invites individuals and organisations to commit to safer road use, including driving at appropriate speeds, giving sufficient space to other road users, submitting dashcam footage to police when relevant, and maintaining vehicles properly.

For more information about the Vision Zero campaign and the Leeds Anchors Network, visit Leeds City Council news.