West Yorkshire MPs support Vision Zero project to end road deaths

MPs offered their support for a strategy to eliminate road deaths in West Yorkshire

A cross-party group of MPs from West Yorkshire has heard about the "devastating impact" road deaths cause.

They were being briefed on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Vision Zero project.

It aims to develop a plan to cut all road-related deaths and severe injuries by 2040.

Dr Ian Greenwood, from Halifax, whose 12-year-old daughter died in a collision, said he was grateful for the MPs' support for the plan.

"The violent trauma involved with road crashes causes devastation in families and communities," he said.

"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.

At the briefing in Westminster, the MPs were told 66 people had died and 1,345 people were seriously injured on roads in West Yorkshire in 2022.

Dr Ian Greenwood (l) and West Yorkshire's deputy mayor Alison Lowe briefed MPs including Holly Lynch (c)

West Yorkshire's deputy mayor Alison Lowe chairs the Vision Zero board and said having safe roads was a "crucial part" of "building a safer, fairer region for everyone".

The MPs who attended included Halifax's Holly Lynch, Batley and Spen's Kim Leadbeater, Colne Valley's Jason McCartney, Wakefield's Simon Lightwood, Morley and Outwood's Andrea Jenkyns and Shipley's Philip Davies.

There were also representatives for Bradford South's Judith Cummins and Huddersfield's Barry Sheerman.

Dr Greenwood said it was "positive" to hear their commitment and support 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."

The Vision Zero Strategy is due to be released later this year.