Former McVities factory, Tollcross
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
A £1m donation from the owners of the former McVitie’s factory in Tollcross will fund projects aimed at tackling poverty — but there are concerns that community wishes have been ignored.
Pladis, the global snacks foods company, announced its plan to close the biscuit factory in 2021 due to “excess capacity” in the UK. Around 500 jobs were lost when the factory closed in 2022.
It later emerged that the firm had offered £1m to the council to invest in the area, with councillors accepting the money in January last year. They have now agreed to split the cash between four projects.
Over £411,000 will be used to provide finance and welfare advice at Parkhead health hub while nearly £210,000 is being spent on helping school leavers to secure training, education or employment opportunities.
The Scottish Pantry Network will receive funding to provide 500 healthy meal kits to families each week, and just under £190,000 will be invested into play and open space activities in the area.
Recommendations were made following a meeting of the Shettleston and Calton area partnerships, as both council wards have been affected by the closure.
However, two local Labour councillors are concerned the approved projects are not reflective of their constituents’ priorities. Councillor Cecilia O’Lone, who represents Calton, said members of the community at the meeting “were quite surprised at what was put forward in front of them”.
“The only stuff that I actually saw about the consultation, the priority was around play and open spaces, but it’s the lowest funded part of this, despite it being what the community asked for,” she said.
Councillor Jill Pidgeon, who represents Shettleston, said: “The proposals that have been put forward, while valid and useful to the area, are not a reflection of what the community [wanted] and certainly not a reflection of what is in my inbox.”
“Ultimately my concern is this has directly affected my ward and people that I speak to, and community councils, they didn’t feel the process of the area partnership consultation was really reflective of conversations they wanted to have,” she added.
Cllr Pidgeon said local residents wanted to see work on the glasshouse at Tollcross Park. “I really don’t think this paper and how this money has been awarded is what most of the people, or certainly almost all the people in Shettleston who have contacted me about it, are looking for,” she said.
A council official said a report to the city administration committee, which approved the use of the funding on Thursday, summarised the “decisions that were endorsed by two area partnerships”.
Council leader Susan Aitken, SNP, said the funding was revenue, rather than capital, so couldn’t fund repairs to the glasshouse. “I’m not sure it would have gone very far even if we were able to spend it on something like that,” she added.
A welfare rights adviser, a family finance adviser and 12 community money guiders will be recruited to serve the three GP practices within Parkhead health hub.
It is hoped they will improve financial literacy and confidence, reduce financial stress, boost mental health and help with access to welfare entitlements and debt resolution.
Work to support school pupils to secure a training course, an apprenticeship, a place at college or university or an offer of employment, before leaving school and up to a year after leaving school, will have a particular focus on Eastbank Academy. A youth development officer will be employed.
A council report stated it has “consistently underperformed against Glasgow, Scottish and neighbouring school averages, highlighting the need for additional intervention to improve young people’s future prospects”.
The Scottish Pantry Network will receive £190,000 to help provide 500 healthy meal kits per week. Two 12-month trainee posts will be created to offering practical experience in meal kit preparation, logistics, stock management, community engagement and administration.
A volunteer programme to train at least 50 people, providing food preparation and customer service experience, is planned as well as twice-weekly cookery classes, in six-week blocks throughout the year, to help families develop skills.
These projects will be targeted at Tollcross families and residents affected by the McVitie’s factory closure, the council report added.
Calton and Shettleston area partnerships, which include councillors and community representatives, will be able to decide how money is spent on play and open space activities.
Councillor Greg Hepburn, SNP, who represents Calton, said both wards have “had great issues with child poverty”. “This paltry amount of money we got [from Pladis], it was seen as a nice thing to do to try to help kids out, try to make it a bit better for them,” he added.
The former McVitie’s site is earmarked for housing in Glasgow’s draft development plan. The site was reportedly sold to Clowes Developments in 2024 and demolition work has been carried out.
The draft plan, which is currently open to representations from the public, states over 200 homes could be built on the land. It is viewed as a long-term project which could be delivered in the final three years of the 10-year plan.
The former public toilets at St Vincent Place, Glasgow, where ornate cast-iron panels were damaged during demolition work.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Damaged ornate panels from public toilets at St Vincent Place are expected to go on display once they have been repaired, after a new contractor was brought in to complete the project.
Cast iron railings were smashed “to pieces” last week, despite a council order that they should be preserved. Work was stopped after Councillor Ruairi Kelly, SNP and the council’s convener for built heritage, learned of the damage.
Contractors were on site as part of a scheme to remove the toilets to “declutter” the area and open up the public space.
Cllr Kelly previously said the iron works would be recovered and he was in talks with Glasgow City Heritage Trust about finding an organisation to help restore the panels for future use.
In an update on the project, a council spokesman said: “It is regrettable that the contractor responsible for the demolition did not do so in accordance with the original instructions to carefully take down and remove the railings from site.
“The contractor responsible has now been removed from the project and Glasgow City Council has arranged for specialist contractors to continue the works as originally planned.
“The materials that remain on site will be carefully removed and relocated to a secure storage location where a detailed assessment of their heritage importance and condition can be carried out and any required repair works undertaken.”
He added: “Thereafter, the materials will be made available to an appropriate organisation who will ensure that they are available for display.”
Extra costs for any “remedial works” required after the incident will be “appropriately apportioned in accordance with the contract terms and conditions”, the spokesman said.
It is understood the railings were once used at the old Glasgow Cross station.
A council report in June had stated officials were “aware of strong market interest to develop the existing public toilet site at St Vincent Place for an alternative use”.
It added options were being investigated with Healthmatic Ltd, the council’s public toilet provider, to “exit this location by March 31, 2027, and make the land available for future development”.
Croftcroighn Park in Glasgow, one of two parks being considered for a pilot scheme to make the city’s green spaces more family-friendly.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
An appeal for Glasgow to develop more family-friendly parks and green spaces by January has been launched by the depute leader of the city council.
Councillor Ricky Bell, who is expected to become leader of the council at this Thursday’s full council meeting, has submitted a motion to ensure every major park actively welcomes babies, children and young people.
Pilot projects could include Croftcroighn Park and Cranhill Park, which experience some of the highest concentrations of child poverty in the city.
It comes after Glasgow’s participation in the Urban95 programme which challenges cities to ask the question: ‘If you experienced the city from 95cm above the ground, what would you change?’
It recognises that by designing neighbourhoods, transport systems, public spaces and local services from the perspective of babies, young children and their carers can improve outcomes not only for children but for entire communities.
The motion reads: “Council acknowledges that children are among those most affected by decisions about streets, transport and the built environment; that child-friendly neighbourhoods support healthier lifestyles, active travel, social connection, cleaner air, inclusion and community wellbeing; and that planning and transport policy should apply a clear “child lens” to decision-making.
“Council recognises that public authorities should engage meaningfully with children and families, prioritise safe and accessible streets, child friendly public realm and public art, support independent mobility and play, reduce road danger at source, and ensure that children’s rights and experiences are embedded within transport, planning and placemaking decisions.
“Council further recognises that play is not confined to designated playgrounds and that children naturally play in streets, paths, greenspaces, vacant land, housing environments and other informal spaces.
Members will be asked to “recommit” to the 2018 National Position Statement on Outdoor Play and Learning and to make sure playing and learning outdoors is an everyday activity.
Members will be asked to instruct the chief executive and other relevant senior officers to ensure that future regeneration loans are assessed through a child-friendly and family-friendly lens.
They will also be asked to implement a child-friendly neighbourhoods programme, informed by Urban95 to prioritise communities experiencing the highest levels of child poverty and and introduce traffic-calming measures, street greening, improved crossings, seating, temporary public realm improvements, opportunities for informal play and safer walking and wheeling routes for young children and their carers.
Meanwhile the council will develop a Family Friendly Parks Framework for Glasgow’s parks and greenspaces (by Jan 2027), to ensure that every major park contains features that actively welcome babies, children, young people and their families.
A child-friendly public art policy developed by January 2027 will support interactive, playful and accessible installations that encourage exploration, imagination, learning and community pride.
Successful staff in the Team of the Year category.
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Staff and volunteers from across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Clyde Sector have been recognised for their outstanding work to support patients, families and colleagues.
The Clyde Sector Staff Awards for Excellence celebrated the dedication, compassion and innovation shown by teams and individuals working across the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Vale of Leven Hospital.
A total of 39 nominations were considered across five categories: Employee of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Leader of the Year, Team of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Two special awards were also presented in recognition of compassionate leadership and an exceptional contribution to the hospital community.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, attended by staff from services across the sector.
Rebecca Reid, Interim Director for Clyde Sector, said: “The quality and range of this year’s nominations demonstrate the exceptional work taking place across Clyde Sector every day.
“What stands out is not simply the number of nominations, but what they tell us about our culture. So many colleagues took the time to recognise the difference made by the people around them, reflecting the strong sense of teamwork, respect and appreciation that exists across our services.
“I would like to congratulate all our winners and those who received commendations, and thank everyone who was nominated. Each of them should be incredibly proud of the contribution they make to our patients, families, colleagues and communities.”
At the end of the ceremony, each of the category winners was invited to attend NHSGGC’s board-wide Celebrating Success Awards on 30 October 2026, when one overall winner for Clyde Sector will be announced. The Celebrating Success Awards is an annual event held to recognise the great care, professionalism and dedication shown by staff and volunteers from across the health board.
Team of the Year: RAH Front Door Frailty Multidisciplinary Team
By redesigning frailty services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the team has helped more older people receive earlier assessment and access alternatives to hospital admission, including Hospital at Home.
Bringing together medical and nursing staff, frailty practitioners, allied health professionals and community partners, the service ensures patients receive the right care in the right place while supporting the principles of Realistic Medicine. Their work has increased the number of patients assessed, reduced length of stay and improved patient flow from the Emergency Department and admission units.
Employee of the Year: Yvonne Hillier, Clinical Governance
For colleagues across Clyde, Yvonne Hillier has become a trusted source of advice, support and expertise on patient safety and organisational learning.
Based at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, she provides expert guidance on significant and local adverse event reviews while producing comprehensive reports that help senior teams monitor incidents, actions and wider patient safety issues. Yvonne also works closely with clinical teams to share learning, identify training needs and support continuous improvement across services. She was further recognised for her contribution as a Civility Saves Lives Champion and her willingness to support colleagues whenever needed.
Leader of the Year: Laura Cassidy, Waiting List Manager, Clyde Orthopaedics
Laura Cassidy’s collaborative and hands-on approach has helped improve access to orthopaedic services while supporting colleagues through periods of significant demand.
Alongside leading the Orthopaedic Administration Team and managing waiting lists, she has played a key role in developing the NHSGGC-wide Orthopaedic Outpatient Service, helping to streamline patient pathways, maximise capacity and reduce waiting times. Colleagues praised her approachable leadership style, commitment to supporting staff and determination to improve services for patients across Clyde and the wider health board.
Innovation of the Year: Harrison Salifu, Staff Nurse, CCU, RAH
A simple idea with a significant impact on patient care earned Harrison Salifu this year’s Innovation Award.
After identifying that fluid balance records could sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate, Harrison developed an image-based tool to help patients better understand and record their fluid intake. He also created bedside prompts to help staff identify patients who require particularly close monitoring. The initiative has improved communication, documentation and patient involvement while supporting safer care for people with cardiac conditions.
Volunteer of the Year: Danny McGreish, Volunteer, Ward 24, RAH
Every week for the past 18 months, Danny McGreish has brought companionship, encouragement and practical support to patients on Ward 24 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
A retired long-distance lorry driver, Danny volunteers on the busy surgical ward, helping patients with refreshments, providing conversation and easing the isolation that can accompany a hospital stay. Now serving as Lead Volunteer for Ward 24, he also supports and mentors new recruits and has inspired others to begin volunteering themselves. His kindness, enthusiasm and commitment continue to make a lasting difference to patients, staff and fellow volunteers.
Special awards recognise leadership and community contribution
Two additional honours were presented to recognise contributions extending beyond the five main award categories.
Compassionate Leadership Award: Denise Wilkinson, Chief Nurse, Clyde Sector
Creating opportunities for others to learn, develop and thrive has been a hallmark of Denise Wilkinson’s leadership.
Through her supportive and approachable style, Denise has strengthened relationships across nursing and management teams while encouraging collaboration, openness and professional growth. Initiatives including leadership development days, shadowing opportunities and acting-up experiences have helped colleagues gain confidence, broaden their experience and prepare for future leadership roles.
Clyde Community Award: Dr Lucy Thomas and the RAH Tree Planting Team
What started as a successful bid for tree saplings has grown into a project that continues to brighten the hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Led by Dr Lucy Thomas, volunteers transformed areas of the Royal Alexandra Hospital grounds by planting trees and flowers throughout the site. As well as improving the surroundings, the initiative brought people together, encouraged pride in the hospital environment and created a lasting legacy for the wider community.
Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair's ATR 72-600s
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A four-year-old Glasgow girl was among children with life-shortening conditions who enjoyed a special scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast.
Six families from across Scotland were treated to a VIP experience at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, thanks to Loganair and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The families took to the skies aboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600 aircraft, with the special flight given the number LM1996 to mark the year CHAS’s Rachel House children’s hospice opened.
Before take-off, families enjoyed entertainment in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, including character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play.
The magic continued in the air, with Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joining the families for the flight across the Highlands and Islands, thanks to Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom.
The aircraft was given a special welcome home with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Among those taking part was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow, who lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Isla and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home over the past year.
Her mum, Georgeta, said the experience was particularly special as Isla had not been on a plane since she was a baby.
“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience,” she said.
“We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”
Isla added: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”
The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, with support from Glasgow Airport, Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Loganair chief executive officer Luke Farajallah said the airline was proud to help families create special memories.
“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances,” he said.
Since 2021, Loganair has raised more than £100,000 for CHAS, helping support the charity’s work with families across Scotland.
The airline also supports CHAS at Home, an outreach service which provides care to families in remote island communities. The service made 1,476 visits in the past year.
CHAS senior partnership executive Aimee Russell said experiences such as the flight could mean a great deal to families supported by the charity.
“Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure,” she said.
Govan - Partick Bridge
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Since opening to the public exactly two years ago, the Govan – Partick Bridge in Glasgow has proved to be hugely popular.
In that time, over 2.55million people have crossed the Bridge, with three-quarters of these pedestrians, and a quarter using bikes. The key role of the Bridge for cyclists is highlighted by a 5.5% increase in their use of it in the second year compared to the first.
The Glasgow City Region City Deal project – the Scottish and UK Governments each provided £12.685million in funding for the Bridge – re-established the historic connection between Govan and Partick, with the Bridge crossing between Water Row on the south side and Pointhouse Quay beside the Riverside Museum on the north.
The bridge has proven to be important economically, environmentally and socially through the link it provides not only between riverside communities, but also nearby visitor attractions and institutions of national economic importance, including the University of Glasgow and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
There is significant and ongoing regeneration on both banks of the Clyde close to the Bridge, with some recent developments including the transformation of part of Govan Graving Docks into new public green space; new housing at Water Row; preparatory works at Yorkhill Quay; and the University of Glasgow’s Health Innovation Hub, a cutting-edge life sciences facility in Govan.
One of the longest opening pedestrian/cycle bridges in Europe, the Bridge has a width of six metres and two spans. The moving span, which weighs 650 tonnes, is 99 metres long and uses the South Pier at Water Row as its access; and the fixed span, which weighs 45 tonnes and is 15.7 metres long.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “These fantastic figures for the Govan-Partick Bridge underline how quickly it has become not only a key part of the city’s travel network, but a well-loved landmark that – as we can see from what is happening on both sides of the river – is meeting its key aims of connecting and regenerating our riverside communities while supporting the local, regional and national economy. What a success the Bridge has been.”
The Glasgow City Region City Deal will see both the Scottish and UK Governments each provide £500million of funding for infrastructure projects across the city-region.
Aldi has confirmed that its stores in Glasgow will close on Boxing Day this year, giving store colleagues the chance to enjoy more time with family and friends after the festive rush.
The UK’s biggest discounter will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, before welcoming customers back on Sunday 27th December 2026.
Stores in Glasgow will also close on New Year’s Day and reopen on Saturday 2nd January 2027.
Opening times will vary locally in the days before Christmas, with many stores extending their hours to help customers pick up everything they need for the festive period.
Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is a special time for our customers, but it is also one of the busiest periods of the year for our teams. Our colleagues work incredibly hard to ensure customers can pick up everything they need ahead of the big day.
“We never take that effort for granted. Closing our stores on Boxing Day is one way of saying thank you and giving colleagues a proper chance to rest, switch off and spend more time with the people closest to them.”
Customers are encouraged to check the Aldi Store Finder nearer the time for the latest opening hours at their local store.
Aldi Store Assistants earn £13.50 per hour nationally, rising to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively with length of service. Aldi also remains the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks, worth around £1,500 a year to the average store colleague.
Those interested in career opportunities at Aldi can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.
Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie and Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was given a warm welcome from the people of Inverclyde as they were given the Freedom of Inverclyde at a public event on Saturday 5 September.
Hundreds of people turned out to watch the march from the Esplanade to Battery Park where the official ceremony took place.
They were accompanied by Band SCOTS and the skirl of the pipes and drums from 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles, with many families lining the streets to watch.
Members of the public followed the parade into the park and gathered alongside veterans from the Inverclyde Argylls, Greenock Argylls, members of Inverclyde Veterans Network and the Army and Air Cadets, who lined the entrance to the marquee where the service took place.
The service began with a welcome from Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy. Provost of Inverclyde, Drew McKenzie then spoke and handed over the Freedom of Inverclyde scroll to Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Following Major-General Robin Lindsay’s speech to close the service, the regiment continued to march on to a private reception at nearby Gourock Primary School.
Provost Drew McKenzie said afterwards: “This was a fantastic event and I’m delighted so many people came along to enjoy it.
“The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the first ever to receive the Freedom of Inverclyde and it’s fitting that they have done so in their 20th year.
“Battery Park looked terrific as always and there was a great atmosphere.
“It is important that we recognise the brave men and women from Inverclyde who have served in our armed forces – and who continue to do so – and this was an historic way for us to do that.”
Major-General Robin Lindsay CBE, Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “We are deeply honoured to be the first recipients of the Freedom of Inverclyde, a community with which the Royal Regiment of Scotland shares a rich and enduring connection.
Freedom of Inverclyde
“The number of veterans on parade clearly shows the support and our strong connection with the region.
“We’d like to thank Inverclyde Council for their generous hospitality and the kindness shown to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.”
Lord Lieutenant Peter McCarthy said: “Conferring the Freedom of Inverclyde on the Royal of Scotland is a significant honour, that symbolises the trust and respect between the Regiment and local community, and one that builds on historical links that date back to WW1.
“Such an honour permits a unit to parade through the town with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
“It was so uplifting to see so many from the local community in the Battery Park and lining the parade route to affirm this important bond between the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Inverclyde.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the first ever to receive the Freedom of Inverclyde.
The honour was agreed by councillors last year to recognise the service, dedication and sacrifice of the Regiment and their strong historical ties with Inverclyde.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland was formed in 2006 through the amalgamation of six of Scotland’s historic Regiments.
The Regiment consists of several Battalions, each continuing the legacy of their antecedent regiments, namely The Royal Scots, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which was the historic regiment for Inverclyde.
The Regiment has served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, and earned numerous commendations.
In addition to its military achievements, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has maintained strong ties with local communities across Scotland, including Inverclyde, through its involvement in community events, charitable activities, and support for veterans.
Glasgow-based STN co-founder Pamela Cunningham
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A landmark supply chain event designed to connect Scottish SME subcontractors directly with main contractors and industry experts is being staged on Thursday, 10 September.
More than 100 people from the construction sector are expected to be in attendance at the first Meet The Contractor gathering organised by the Skilled Trades Network (STN) since its launch almost a year ago.
Devised by Glasgow-based Pamela Cunningham, a former Tier 1 procurement manager, along with her husband Ross, STN aims to drive industry collaboration, remove barriers for employers, engage youth and partner with schools to introduce students to trade careers.
The day-long event at the Dakota Eurocentral adjacent to the M8 is a sell-out and will feature sessions led by the likes of Kier and Balfour Beatty and framework provider, the Scottish Procurement Alliance.
In addition to structured networking, there will also be practical workshops on the skills subcontractors need to win and deliver work (bidding, cashflow management, Constructionline accreditation and commercial contracts).
“It has taken a while to pull this all together but it promises to be a great opportunity for people in the sector to share knowledge and ideas,” said Pamela, founder of the strategic construction consultancy Growth and Performance Solutions.
“Skilled Trades Network was set up to support SME employers. STN’s primary school programme, for example, is introducing the next generation to careers in construction but that only works if the SMEs are in a position to hire. STN supports SME growth through accessible consultancy and monthly sessions with construction experts.
“Meet The Contractor™ is built on that same principle. Rather than a typical ‘meet the buyer’ type of event where micro businesses meet Tier 1 contractors, whose tenders they’re often not even eligible to bid for, Meet The Contractor is designed to demonstrate intentional SME engagement by putting subcontractors in front of main contractors delivering smaller-scale projects who need more resource to deliver.
“We have 12 exhibitors – some are small businesses who are growing and some are larger organisations who have projects to deliver and need to recruit competent subcontractors.”
Autistic Children Matter simulator
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Interim findings from a University of Leeds-led research project, funded by The Road Safety Trust, have identified several areas of road-crossing that can present particular challenges for autistic children, while also highlighting potential differences in how children respond to different types of crossing infrastructure.
The Autistic Children Matter: Addressing Road Crossing Challenges from Multiple Perspectives project is examining how autistic children approach road crossing, the challenges they face and why those challenges arise. It brings together evidence from autistic children, caregivers, independent travel trainers and traffic engineers, with the aim of improving pedestrian safety and supporting safer, more independent travel.
Interim findings from an analysis of 39 Independent Travel Training (ITT) records, provided by Leeds City Council and involving children aged 11–13 years, suggest that some road-crossing skills are considerably more difficult to develop than others.
Navigating around parked vehicles, looking over the shoulder for traffic, dealing with busy roads, and understanding where bike lanes are and how to navigate them emerged as the most challenging areas for autistic children.
The findings also indicate that road-crossing skills can take time to develop. The data suggest that many children may require around 10-12 training sessions to achieve the skills examined, although this estimate is based on observed trends and there is considerable variation between individuals. The researchers say this is significant because approaches to ITT can vary between councils, with some children potentially receiving training in only one session. Further work will examine whether ITT is standardised nationally and how practices differ between local authorities.
The project is led by Dr Yee Mun Lee, of the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds.
Dr Yee Mun Lee said: “Safe and independent travel is an important part of everyday life. Our findings suggest that both road infrastructure and the way road-crossing skills are taught can influence children’s experiences.
“By better understanding these factors, we hope to identify practical ways to support safer and more independent travel for autistic children.”
Different crossings may present different challenges
The interim findings also point to differences between crossing types. Of the three types of infrastructure examined – Pelican crossings, zebra crossings and traffic islands – the Pelican crossing appeared to be the most intuitive for the children to master; whereas zebra crossings cause the most confusion.
The research team stresses that this is an interim finding and further work is needed to understand why children may respond differently to different types of crossing. However, it could have implications for the design and provision of pedestrian infrastructure, particularly around SEND schools.
As navigating cycle lanes emerged as a challenge for some autistic children, the findings also highlight opportunities for further research. Depending on the factors underlying these challenges, it may be valuable to examine whether clearer or more consistent ways of indicating cycle lanes could help address some of the difficulties identified. The findings could also inform future consideration of crossing facilities and parking arrangements around schools.
Training needs to reflect individual challenges
The wider project highlights that autistic children do not all experience the road environment in the same way. Findings from 151 responses to a caregiver questionnaire identified three broad areas of challenge: core road-crossing competency, anxiety and avoidance, and use of road infrastructure:
– Core road crossing competency included difficulties such as noticing hazards, judging traffic speed or distance, and applying learned safety rules in real-world settings.
– Anxiety and avoidance reflected distress, hesitation, sensory overload, and behaviours involving avoidance of certain routes.
– Use of road infrastructure competency involved difficulties using crossing infrastructure, traffic islands, and crossing buttons correctly.
Analysis showed that children with higher support needs faced greater road-crossing difficulty across all three dimensions. For example, earlier age at autism diagnosis was associated with greater ‘core road crossing competency’ difficulties.
Co-occurring anxiety was linked to greater ‘anxiety and avoidance’ difficulties, while co-occurring ADHD and learning disability were associated with more ‘use of road infrastructure competency’ difficulties.
Dr Yee Mun Lee added: “These findings highlight that road-crossing challenges are not the same for every autistic child.
“By understanding which skills are most difficult and how children learn them over time, we can better tailor training, improve support, and inform the design of more accessible road environments.”
The next stage of the project will explore autistic children’s crossing behaviour, head movement, visual attention and subjective experience in different road-crossing infrastructure designs, conducted in the Highly Immersive Kinematic Experimental Research (HIKER) laboratory at the University of Leeds.
HIKER is a CAVE-based pedestrian simulator in which virtual environments were created based on real school-road locations in Leeds. By examining how autistic and typically developing adolescents respond to these designs, the study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for inclusive school crossing infrastructure.
Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “Understanding how autistic children experience and navigate road crossings is an important step in making our roads safer for everyone.
“This research will provide valuable insights and help develop more effective interventions, improve road safety, and create environments that support greater confidence and independence.”
