West Yorkshire MPs unite for Vision Zero

31st January 2024

West Yorkshire MPs have come together to pledge support for a major road safety campaign, Vision Zero.

The region’s MPs were invited to attend a briefing at Westminster yesterday (30/01) outlining how they can help to deliver the project, which aims to eradicate all deaths and serious injuries on West Yorkshire’s roads by 2040.

The briefing showed the staggering human cost of collisions in West Yorkshire - in 2022 alone, 66 people were killed, and a further 1,345 people were seriously injured on our roads.

It also included a passionate speech from Dr Ian Greenwood, whose 12-year-old daughter, Alice was killed in a crash involving a young driver. The 18-year-old driver also died along with his 16-year-old passenger.

MPs voiced strong support for the ambition, discussing its aims and how they can be achieved.

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and Chair of the Vision Zero Board, said: “We need everyone to work together to deliver Vision Zero.

“I am really pleased that many of our MPs have bought into making it a reality and I look forward to their support as work continues.

“We are building a safer, fairer region for everyone, and having safe roads is a crucial part of that.”

Dr Ian Greenwood, said: “The violent trauma involved with road crashes causes devastation in families and communities. Having personal experience, I know how horrendous that is. This is why I fight to stop road death and serious injury on West Yorkshire’s roads.

“It was a privilege to present to West Yorkshire MPs who prioritised their time to engage with West Yorkshire’s approach to stopping road death and serious injury from road crashes.

“It was positive to hear first hand their commitment and offer to support the plans to drive forward with Vision Zero. I hope victims across our region will be heartened to know they have the support of their MPs and I look forward to working with them going forward.”

A West Yorkshire Vision Zero Strategy is currently being created and is due to be released in the coming months.

It will set out what needs to change to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all in West Yorkshire by the year 2040.

You can find out more about Vision Zero in West Yorkshire at www.visionzerowy.co.uk.

Pictured from left to right – Sunny Williams, Policy Assistant - Vision Zero, Simon Lightwood MP, Kim Leadbeater MP, Neil Hudson, Policy Manager - Vision Zero, Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Dr Ian Greenwood and Jason McCartney MP.