School pupils throughout Leeds are urging parents, carers, and the broader community to reconsider their travel practices during school runs, aided by a compelling new short film.
Produced by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the film showcases dashcam footage from the cockpit of a fire engine as it maneuvers through congested streets near four Leeds schools at pick-up time. The video vividly illustrates how parked cars can obstruct roads, posing significant challenges for emergency services responding to incidents during these critical times. Parking on pavements, grass verges, and narrow roads creates congestion and blocks access for other road users, including obstructing public footpaths. This often forces pedestrians, particularly those who are vulnerable, into the street, heightening the risk of accidents.
The film is narrated by former Children’s Mayor Mohammed Hussein, who articulates the concerns of young people throughout Leeds who aspire to travel to and from school safely and sustainably. He delivers a clear message to parents and carers: whenever possible, opt for walking, cycling, or wheeling; park away from school gates; and reduce the frequency of driving to school to ensure safer spaces for all.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development said:
“It’s great to see the emergency services working with our safe and sustainable travel team to raise awareness of issues around dangerous and inconsiderate parking at pick-up and drop-off times at schools in Leeds. We want Leeds to be the best city for all young people to grow up in and ensuring a safer journey to school is a key part of that.
“If we encourage parents and carers to choose walking, cycling or wheeling, or to park further away from school gates, we can help improve road safety in local communities and create a better environment for families to travel safely and sustainably to and from school.”
Safe roads are a key focus of Vision Zero, Leeds City Council’s goal to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries in the city by 2040. To support this, Leeds has implemented 17 School Streets, restricting vehicle traffic near schools to make walking, cycling, and wheeling safer and more accessible for families.
Last year alone, 28,955 schoolchildren in Leeds participated in 596 sessions conducted by the council’s road safety trainers to encourage safe and sustainable travel. The council continues to roll out initiatives like School Streets and parking campaigns, improving the local environment and enabling children to apply what they learn about road safety.
Achieving Vision Zero requires everyone’s participation. Opting to walk, cycle, or wheel to school, or parking further away and walking the remaining distance, can significantly enhance safety around schools.
To view the short film on the dangers of unsafe parking, please visit: Dangerous Parking puts Lives at Risk
