A new funding opportunity has opened providing communities with the tools and resources they need to keep people safe on the roads.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has launched a dedicated Road Safety Round as part of his Community Action Fund (CAF) programme, pledging to support grassroots projects that can help him promote safer travel for all road users.
The opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants from schools and parish councils to community groups and registered charities.
It forms part of the Commissioner’s exciting new approach to community safety which emphasises the power of prevention and partnerships to build safe and prosperous communities.
With the principle of ‘prevention’ at the heart of the PCC’s new Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner is determined to equip communities with the skills, knowledge, funding and support they need to help residents thrive and stay safe.
The Road Safety Round will provide grants of up to £10k for projects that aim to reduce road-related incidents and promote safer streets.
Funding can be used towards:
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Road safety workshops – Engaging sessions for schools or community groups to raise awareness and promote safe behaviours.
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Reflective gear and educational materials – Helping children and families stay visible and informed, especially during darker months.
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Physical deterrents – Including village gateways, signage, or speed awareness tools to reduce dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users (while structural changes are permitted, approval from County Council Highways will need to be granted and evidenced in such applications).
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School safety initiatives – Supporting local campaigns or projects that promote safer journeys to and from school, such as walking buses, parking pledges, or awareness events.
The PCC is keen to not only support initiatives that will help prevent accidents but also those that aim to build a culture of safety, responsibility and community care.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “I know from meeting residents all over the force area that there is a strong appetite to get involved and directly contribute to the safety of our roads. This funding round aims to unleash this community spirit and empower the people who know our neighbourhoods best to take action.
“Road Safety is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. Alongside supporting increased enforcement against those who flout the fatal four driving behaviours, I am also working closely with the Chief Constable to crack down on the anti-social and illegal use of vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes who increase the risk of harm on our roads and in our public spaces.
“Local people can and have already made a difference and I would like to hear from any groups or organisations across the force area who are willing to take a leadership role in their communities and develop creative and innovative solutions. Together, we can create safer roads and protect those most at risk.”
The Road Safety Grant Round will open on Monday 17th November 2025 and will close on Monday 12th January 2026 at 16:59. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
Replacing the Commissioner’s Safety Fund, the Community Action Fund distributes funding across six rounds in 2025-26 focusing on the core priorities of the Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan. The first round, which is now closed, was dedicated to tackling Rural Crime.
To find out more: https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Community-Action-Fund-Round-2.
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Posted on Monday 17th November 2025