The Leeds Anchors Network, made up of 13 of the city’s largest employers, has announced a major collective commitment to road safety after formally signing up to the Vision Zero campaign.
The anchor institutions, which span healthcare, education, local government, culture and utilities, have pledged to play their part in helping to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries across Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region by 2040. By backing Vision Zero, the network is adding its voice to a region-wide effort to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport users, while encouraging organisations across the city to support safer travel choices.
The joint initiative forms part of a wider, long-term effort by the Leeds Anchors Network to work together across key strategic priorities. Through collaboration on issues including employment and procurement, the network continues to use its collective buying power, recruitment reach and operational influence to deliver direct benefits for people living and working in Leeds.
As part of their support for the Vision Zero campaign, the Anchors have pledged to promote safer driving behaviours across their organisations, uphold strong fleet safety standards, advocate for safer speeds in built-up areas and support sustainable and active travel options for staff. Last week, the network also launched a new Active Travel Hub map, showing where people can access facilities such as bikes, active travel advice and journey support across the city.
Peter Slee, VC Leeds Becket and chair of the Leeds Anchor Network said:
“The Leeds Anchors Network exists to drive positive change for our communities across the city by working as one. Road safety isn’t just an infrastructure issue; it’s a public health and quality-of-life priority that impacts every single person living and working in Leeds.
“By aligning our organisations with the Vision Zero strategy, we are making a clear, collective statement. Whether it is through updating our staff travel policies, reviewing our supply chain logistics, or promoting safer commuting habits, the city’s major employers are fully committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning said:
“Leeds has been clear in its ambition to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040, and that ambition can only be achieved through collective action. The commitment from the Leeds Anchors Network demonstrates the vital role our largest organisations play in influencing behaviours, improving safety standards, and supporting a shift towards safer, more sustainable travel.
“By embedding Vision Zero principles into their operations – from fleet management to staff travel choices, these organisations are helping to create safer streets not just for their employees, but for everyone who lives, works and travels in our city. This is exactly the kind of leadership and partnership we need to make Vision Zero a reality.”
The Anchors’ commitment will see individual institutions roll out internal awareness campaigns, promote the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Pledge among staff and explore practical measures to reduce road risk linked to their operations across the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Leeds Anchors Network brings together some of the city’s leading public and private sector institutions to explore how their collective influence, spending power and employment practices can deliver greater benefits for Leeds and its residents.
Its members include Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City College, Leeds Trinity University, the British Library, the Royal Armouries, Northern Gas Networks and DHSC.
