New figures have revealed that road deaths throughout London reached a record low over the course of 2021…
London Road Deaths at Record Low in 2021
The number of people killed on London’s roads reached a record low during 2021, new figures have revealed; only for the number to rise as lockdown restrictions were gradually lifted. Transport for London (TfL) data shows that the number of road deaths declined by 22%, compared to a 7% rise nationally. Nevertheless, the organisation has emphasised that casualties have actually increased overall since lockdown restrictions were ended.
As traffic levels returned to pre-pandemic levels, the number of people in London killed or seriously injured rose by 17%; having risen from 3,070 in 2020 to 3,580 in 2021. It’s non-drivers that are the most vulnerable, too. Some 81% of all people killed or seriously injured were walking, cycling or using motorcycles. Cars were also the most likely form of vehicle to be involved in collisions, being involved in 64% of collisions in 2021. Moreover, half of all collisions in 2021 involved excessive speed as a factor.
The ‘Vision Zero’ Plan
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, commented on road deaths in the capital and his ‘Vision Zero’ plan. He said, “every death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and I refuse to believe that they are something we have to accept as inevitable. Our Vision Zero action plan sets out tough measures to help reduce risk and eliminate death and serious injury from London’s roads”.
He continued, “the pandemic has also demonstrated that fewer cars on our roads mean fewer deaths and serious injuries. Which is why I’m determined to make sure we deliver a green recovery in London by encouraging more Londoners to walk and cycle”.
Khan concluded, “the cost to the capital of a car-led recovery cannot be underestimated; with increased road danger, detrimental health impacts, time wasted stuck in traffic and billions lost to the economy. There is still much more to do to eradicate road deaths and serious injuries from our streets. But I am determined that together we will help make London greener, more sustainable and safer for all”.
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