Children are championing road safety in their Bradford community.

A dedicated Junior Road Safety Team, run by Horton Grange Primary School, is patrolling the area looking out for issues such as people not wearing seatbelts, speeding, inconsiderate parking, and drivers using mobile phones.

When a problem is identified the students, from Year 5/6, will offer advice and hand out safety information. When needed, this is backed up by action from the police and Bradford Council, who support the team.

In a recent and shocking incident, a driver was observed with a number of unrestrained children in the vehicle, including a baby on the centre armrest. Following the team’s intervention, the driver was stopped by the police and arranged alternative safe transport for their family’s onward travel.

Feedback from parents and the wider community has been extremely positive with the team noting behaviour change as a result.

Maariyah, a member of the Junior Road Safety Team, said: “I wanted to get involved as I am passionate about helping others and making a difference.”

Maliha, added: “A lot of people get injured on the roads, I want to prevent that.”

Speaking on an incident she had dealt with, Inayah said: “We went up to a car as the engine was running and the person was busy on their phone. We explained to him that he can't do that, he apologised and said he wouldn't do it again."

Horton Grange Primary School have also now become a West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partner representing Exceed schools.

West Yorkshire Vision Zero is the local partnership approach to road safety, seeking to end all road death and serious injuries in the county by 2040.

Rebecca Marshall, Headteacher, Horton Grange Primary School, said: “I’m extremely proud of the commitment and efforts 
shown by our Junior Road Safety team here at Horton Grange, part of Exceed Academies Trust. The ongoing collaboration between our school, local police, Vision Zero and the council plays a vital role in strengthening community partnerships.  It is making a real difference in raising awareness about safe driving and responsible parking around the school; we are proud to be a Vision Zero Partner.”

Aneela Ahmed, school governor, said: “The positive impact the Junior Road Safety team is having on the local community is truly commendable.  These young people are helping to spread vital safety messages — urging drivers to slow down, wear seatbelts, and avoid using mobile phones — three of the Fatal Five. It’s clear their message is being heard.”

Other schools interested in creating their own road safety teams are encouraged to get in touch with Horton Grange who are happy to share details.

Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership and the region’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “The Junior Road Safety Team is a brilliant project.

“I have no doubt that this initiative is increasing safety in the area and making a fantastic contribution towards Vision Zero.

“The young people involved as well as the school should be very proud of the real difference they are making to their community. I hope that more schools will follow their example by creating teams and becoming Vision Zero partners.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “I commend the Road Safety Team at Horton Grange Primary School for the action they are taking. There is no stronger way of getting messages across to parents and drivers about what they should and shouldn’t do, than through children, the very people we are trying to keep safe through good driving habits.”

Show your support for keeping everyone safe on our roads by signing the Vision Zero Pledge. You can also dedicate your pledge in someone’s memory. Visit https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/vz-pledge.