The number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads in Leeds increased in 2022 following a reduction during the COVID pandemic, and a period of relative stability in the preceding years.
Between 2018 and 2022, crashes on roads in Leeds killed 105 people and seriously injured 1,777. A further 7,085 people suffered minor injuries, bringing the total number of injuries and deaths to 8,967. Road crashes typically involved cars and other motor vehicles, but over half of the victims who were killed or seriously injured were on foot, on a bike, or riding a motorbike.
Leeds Safer Roads Vision Zero 2040 strategy, adopted in September 2022, sets out our bold ambition to eliminate fatal and serious road injuries from our city by 2040.
The strategy was developed by the Leeds Safer Roads Partnership which is led by Leeds City Council. Partners include West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, National Highways and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
In 2023
West Yorkshire Combined Authority adopted a Vision Zero and Safe System approach and established a Vision Zero board which is chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe.
We will use a 'Safe System' approach to achieve Vision Zero and consider the wider context of road safety to make the whole traffic system safer. While all road users should behave safely, considerately, and legally, those who plan and manage the transport system are also responsible for safety. This means that we need to design safer roads, enforce speeds, and improve vehicle safety.
Five 'pillars' underpin the Safe System for Leeds. They are:
- Safe Behaviours and People
- Safe Speeds
- Safe Roads
- Safe Vehicles
- Post-collision Learning and Care
Read more in the full Leeds Vision Zero Strategy and action plan.
Read the Leeds Safe Roads Vision Zero 2040 Annual Progress Report.
Find information about road safety collisions in Leeds.
