The Leeds Anchors Network, consisting of 13 of the city’s largest employers, has announced a major joint commitment to road safety by formally signing up to the city’s Vision Zero campaign.
The Leeds Anchors institutions which span healthcare, education, local government, culture and utilities have pledged their commitment to play their part in helping to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on the roads of Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region by 2040.
This joint initiative comes as part of a broader, sustained effort by the Leeds Anchors to collaborate across key strategic areas. By pulling together on challenges, such as employment and procurement, the network continues to leverage its shared buying, hiring, and operational power for the direct benefit of Leeds residents.
By supporting the Vision Zero campaign and pledging support, the Anchors across their respective organisations will promote safe driving behaviours, ensure fleet safety standards are upheld, advocating for safer speeds in built-up areas, and supporting sustainable, active travel alternatives for staff. Last week the network also revealed a new Active Travel Hub map which shows which active travel hubs people can use and where there are facilities to access bikes, active travel advice, or support for their journeys.
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said:
“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.
“By embedding Vision Zero principles into their operations – from fleet management to staff travel choices, these organisations are helping to create safer streets not just for their employees, but for everyone who lives, works and travels in our city. This is exactly the kind of leadership and partnership we need to make Vision Zero a reality.”
The Anchors’ commitment will see individual institutions rollout internal awareness campaigns, promote the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Pledge to staff, and look at practical ways to reduce operational road risk across the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
(Picture: Leeds.gov.uk)
