Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation on plans to make walking, wheeling and cycling routes to schools safer and more accessible, with proposed improvements focused on streets in Middleton and Halton Moor.
The council says the measures are aimed at tackling congestion and improving road safety around busy school sites, where pavement parking, narrow footways and a lack of safe crossing points can make the school run feel intimidating for families travelling on foot, by wheelchair or by bike.
Elements Primary School in Middleton, and Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School and Corpus Christi Catholic College in Halton Moor, serve large local communities, with most pupils living within a 10-minute walk. Despite this, a higher-than-average proportion of pupils currently travel to school by car compared with the Leeds average.
Under the proposals, improvements could include widening pavements and paths, making minor junction realignments, introducing formal and informal crossing points, installing bollards to protect footways and help enforce existing parking restrictions, and upgrading street lighting. The council hopes the changes will improve routes to schools and reduce car dependency on surrounding roads at peak times.
Six schools in Middleton and Halton Moor are expected to benefit from the scheme:
- Elements Primary School, Middleton;
- Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, Middleton;
- Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, Halton Moor;
- Corpus Christi Catholic College, Halton Moor;
- Temple Learning Academy, Halton Moor;
- Meadowfield Primary School, Halton Moor.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“The Access to Schools project is a vital step toward creating safer, easier ways for people to choose active travel to and from school.
“Investments like this help toward our Vision Zero Strategy of eliminating serious injury and deaths on Leeds roads by 2040 by creating safer walking and cycling links in key areas of the city and improving road safety for everyone.
“We urge everyone who uses this route — whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus — to share your views and help shape the future of this area.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee said:
“I want as many people as possible to have their say, so we can make it easier for people in Middleton and Halton Moor to get around.
“These links will improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes to schools, giving pupils the option to choose safer and more sustainable ways to travel.
“This will be a part of Weaver network, and is vital for creating a better-connected, greener and healthier West Yorkshire.”
The council is inviting pupils, parents, staff, residents and anyone who travels through the area to have their say on the plans. Leeds City Council says the proposals support its broader ambitions to promote active travel and contribute to Vision Zero, the city’s long-term strategy to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
Residents are being encouraged to share their views before 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 February. There are three drop-in events:
1. Find out more and complete a short online survey.
2. Attend a drop-in event to view the proposal boards, speak with a member of the project team, and complete the survey either online or on paper. Three events are being held:
Halton Moor and Osmondthorpe
Tuesday 3 February, 3–7pm — Starlight Dance Academy (Studio 2), 41 Rookwood Road, Osmondthorpe, LS9 0NJ.
Wednesday 11 February, 3–7pm — Corpus Christi Catholic Club (Function Room), Halton Moor Avenue, Halton Moor, LS9 0HB.
Middleton
Thursday 5 February, 3–7pm — Middleton Leisure Centre (Gascoigne Suite), Ring Road Middleton, LS10 4AX.
3. Request a paper survey and return it freepost. To ask for a paper copy, contact the council at connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 336 8868.
The scheme is being developed in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and has received £750,000 in funding from ‘Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund 5’ to help develop and deliver the improvements.
