Vision Zero: be bright this October

As the clocks go back and the darker mornings and evenings draw in, the council’s Travel Behaviour Team are out and about visiting 12 local schools this month to talk to pupils about the benefits of wearing bright clothing when travelling to and from school.

Other useful advice includes walking in well-lit areas and keeping to footways, crossing roads using dedicated crossing points, and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones while doing so.

At the same time motorists are being encouraged to allow extra time for journeys as the roads become busier at this time of the year, to reduce speeds if weather conditions and visibility are poor or if there are hazards, and to remain focused on the road and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users.

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said:

“The number of deaths and serious injuries on Leeds’ roads has fallen significantly compared to 2022 when we first launched our campaign, but the only acceptable number of deaths on our roads is zero and every collision is preventable. By promoting positive behaviour the Vision Zero campaign is guarding against complacency to help maintain these trends.

“Everyone has a part to play in this, and across the city we’re working hard to remind young people about the importance of being bright and being seen during the winter months when the risk is greater.

“Motorists have to be more mindful on their journeys too. Becoming distracted while driving is the main reason for collisions on our roads, so during the darker mornings and evenings and poorer weather, it’s crucial that drivers stay focused, allow extra time and pay extra attention and watch out for pedestrians and other road users.”

Alongside activities in local schools, Arlo the Owl – the council’s Vision Zero mascot – will be making an appearance at Leeds Light Night 2026 (27 to 29 October), meeting and greeting visitors to Lou Chapelle's Bird Song the ‘Reflective Owls’ installation within Leeds City Museum. The team will be there to talk to visitors about Vision Zero and road safety through the winter months, inviting them to sign a Vision Zero pledge and consider how they will keep themselves and other road users safe however they choose to travel. 

The council’s Travel Behaviour team will also be supporting the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service during a Road Safety Day at Horsforth High School on Thursday 22 October, following a similar Emergency Services Day at Temple Moor High School and sixth form last month.

The team will also be offering Car Seat and Tyre Checks at Armley Leisure Centre on 22 October in association with Good Egg Safety and TyreSafe and supporting National Highways, followed by a Tyre Safety Checking with Tyresafe at Skelton Lake Services on Monday 26 October.