Leeds Council Unveils £750K Plan for Safer School Access in Middleton and Halton Moor

Leeds City Council has revealed plans to enhance access to schools in Middleton and Halton Moor. The initiative, named Access to Schools, aims to make walking, cycling, and wheeling safer for students and families. It addresses concerns about heavy traffic, unsafe crossings, and parking near local schools.

The areas around the schools currently face significant issues. Congestion, illegal parking, and a lack of safe pedestrian crossings pose hazards for children traveling to school. The council's proposals center on reducing car dependency while promoting more active travel options.

The scheme has secured £750,000 in funding from Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund 5 (ATF5). Deputy council leader Jonathan Pryor has supported the project, deeming it a crucial step towards safer journeys for students. The plans also align with the council’s Vision Zero goal, which strives to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. If approved, the measures will introduce better walking and cycling routes, improved crossings, and restrictions on parking near schools. The objective is to create a safer, cleaner environment around the schools while decreasing car trips.

The funding will facilitate improved school access in Middleton and Halton Moor. New infrastructure for walking, wheeling, and cycling is anticipated to reduce traffic and enhance safety. The project aligns with broader efforts to make Leeds’ streets safer for everyone by 2040.