Funding boost to increase safety for women and girls across West Yorkshire’s public transport network

Efforts to improve the safety of women and girls across West Yorkshire’s public transport network have today (10/11) received a significant boost.

It will see a programme of interventions delivered between January and March 2022, with the aim of generating sustainable change.

This includes the introduction of a bus safety reporting tool, a male behaviour change campaign focusing on the night-time economy, active upstander training for night-time economy staff, and a pan-West Yorkshire Ask for Angela’ campaign.

There will also be a number of localised projects in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds involving taxi marshals, women’s safety hubs, street marshals, the development of a Pub Watch scheme and taxi standards work.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“This is absolutely marvellous news and a real coup for partnership working within West Yorkshire.

“It brings ever more focus upon the issue of safety for women and girls, with some truly tangible results.

“It will make a genuine difference to local people, supporting and improving experiences of women and girls on our public transport network.

“This will work alongside the Safer Streets Funding we’ve received, which will improve women and girls’ safety in parks and across educational institutions.

“This mean’s we’ve been able to commit £870,000 to support our communities and businesses on this important pledge in my first six months as Mayor.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire, Alison Lowe added:

“To deliver this programme of interventions, we will be working with all 5 district local authorities and their wider community safety partnerships.

“It will also see close collaboration with West Yorkshire Police, women and girls’ groups, transport providers, including taxis, night-time economy venues and business improvement districts.

“All the hard work in preparing this bid has paid off for the people of West Yorkshire and I am delighted that we have collectively been able to achieve this money.