By KLTV Newsdesk –

Thousands of children educated, dangerous drivers prosecuted, and new victim support launched as part of a united effort to eliminate road deaths by 2040

A year after the launch of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Strategy, the region is marking significant progress in its mission to end all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.

In the past 12 months, tens of thousands of young people have received road safety education, more dangerous drivers than ever have been brought to justice, and vital new support services for victims have been introduced.

Emergency services, local authorities, National Highways, victim support organisations, and road safety campaigners remain united behind the strategy, which is built on a “safe system” approach, focusing on safe roads, safe behaviours, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and an effective post-collision response.

Public Event to Celebrate Progress

The anniversary will be celebrated with a free, family-friendly road safety event in Millennium Square, Leeds, on Thursday 14 August.

Running from 10 am to 4 pm, the event will feature access to police and fire service vehicles, interactive activities, and opportunities to share views on local road safety and transport plans.

Activities will include:

• Access to a range of emergency vehicles.

• A National Highways interactive experience.

• A reaction tester.

• Free bike marking and cycling support.

• Consultations on road safety and local transport.

• Fun and educational family-friendly activities.

First-Year Achievements

Key milestones from the strategy’s first year include:

• Launch of a new Independent Road Victim Advocate service to support victims.

• 13,000 children across 83 schools took part in innovative road safety education projects, including the production of a theatre show and workshop.

• 7,500 dangerous drivers prosecuted with public assistance via Operation Snap.

• 39,310 fixed penalty notices issued for traffic offences by patrolling officers.

• 279,000 speed and red-light offences detected by safety cameras.

• Advocacy for Graduated Driving Licences, supported by victims’ families.

• Over 750 child car seats checked at 25 events, with more free checks planned.

A Positive but Cautious Outlook

In 2023, 50 people were killed and 1,400 were seriously injured on West Yorkshire’s roads.

Provisional figures for 2024 show a reduction, with 40 deaths and 1,277 serious injuries.

While acknowledging there is much more to do, leaders view this as an encouraging sign.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “A year ago, we launched West Yorkshire Vision Zero, because the only acceptable number of road casualties is zero.

Behind the statistics are real people with families and friends who are all deeply affected by each and every road death and serious injury.

Our first year has seen some fantastic work, but there’s still a long way to g,o and we’re committed to building on this to keep everyone safe in our region.”

Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, added: “There is no greater purpose than keeping people safe, so we remain united behind Vision Zero.

We don’t want anyone else to suffer the loss of a loved one or be seriously injured in completely avoidable circumstances.

We’re on the right path, but we need everyone to get behind Vision Zero to make it a reality, so please do your bit.”

How to Get Involved

Residents can show their commitment to safer roads by signing the Vision Zero Pledge, which can also be dedicated to someone’s memory.

More details about the anniversary event can be found at: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/vz-event