Vision Zero

1,318 people were killed or seriously injured on West Yorkshire’s roads in 2024. 

We believe that no death or serious injury is acceptable on our county’s roads. That’s why we are a partner in West Yorkshire Vision Zero.

Vision Zero is a road safety initiative which aims to end all traffic deaths and serious injuries. Together with our partners in West Yorkshire Vision Zero, we are working to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads to zero by 2040.

Vision Zero is also committed to promoting safe, healthy and fair transport for all.

In the Wakefield district, we’re investing millions of pounds to maintain and upgrade our roads, footpaths and cycleways. We're introducing new safety schemes and improving traffic flow and road conditions. We’re encouraging safer behaviours with a programme of road safety initiatives, including projects in schools. And we’re using up-to-date intelligence to prioritise work that delivers the greatest impact. Ensuring our roads remain safe and accessible for all residents.

Safe systems

West Yorkshire Vision Zero has worked with the public and partners to understand the main road safety issues and priorities. To achieve its goals, it has adopted a ‘Safe System’ approach, with five themes. 

• safe roads
• safe road users
• safe speeds
• safe vehicles
• the post-collision response

This approach is built on the idea that road safety is a shared responsibility. All road users have a role to play - drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians. As well as those who plan, build, maintain, legislate and enforce the transport system.

Safe roads

Vision Zero aims to improve physical road environments. Measure may include traffic-calming features, new technology and innovative layouts. The changes can help to prevent collisions or reduce their impact.

If you have a suggestion for a road improvement or want to report a problem with a road, Contact us - Wakefield Council 

Safe road users

Dangerous behaviour accounts for all five main causes of fatalities. Including careless driving and mobile phone use. 

Vision Zero is raising awareness of the dangers of unsafe behaviours. And is promoting ways to keep safe and look out for others, especially those more at risk of injury.

If you have dashcam footage of dangerous driving, you can submit it to: West Yorkshire Safer Roads - Op Snap | West Yorkshire Police

Safe speeds   

Inappropriate speed contributes to around 25% of fatal crashes. Pedestrians hit by a car at 20 miles per hour have a 10% risk of being killed. At 40 mile per hour, it’s 80%. The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death.

Safe driving means adjusting your speed to match the conditions. Considering factors such as the speed limit, the road condition, weather, visibility and fellow road users. 

Vision Zero is working to address unsafe speeds, so road users have time to react. Lowering the risk of serious crashes and injury.

If speeding is a problem in your community, report it to us: Report community concerns about speeding - Wakefield Council

Safe vehicles

To keep roads safe, vehicles should be roadworthy and meet national regulations.

Vision Zero promotes regular checks of vehicles or bikes to ensure that they well-maintained, including:

• tyre pressure, tread and condition
• lights
• brakes

It also encourages motorists to make use of in-built technology, such as:

• speed notifications 
• collision warning systems

The post-collision response

Vision Zero is working to ensure that systems are in place to support victims when crashes do occur. And that data from collisions is shared and used to make improvements. 

Vision Zero pledge

The Vision Zero pledge asks everyone to think about what they can do to help make our roads safer in West Yorkshire. And to sign the pledge to show their commitment.  

We all have a part to play. It isn’t just about following rules – it’s about looking out for each other. You can pledge to do simple things like:

• always wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone is strapped in
• regularly check your tyres, lights and brakes
• maintain safe speeds
• give others space
• wear something bright or reflective, especially in poor visibility
• use the Green Cross Code

You can also sign the pledge in memory of someone, and it will be added to the campaign’s memorial page. Vision Zero pledge memorial page

West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership

Vision Zero West Yorkshire is led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The Partnership includes: 

• the five West Yorkshire councils (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield)
• West Yorkshire Police
• West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• National Highways
• West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership
• Yorkshire Ambulance Service
• victim support services and road safety campaigners. 

Find out more about the West Yorkshire approach on their website.