The number of people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads fell by 6% in 2023, from 3,974 to 3,709, the lowest level on record outside of the pandemic affected years.
The TfL data also shows at 95, last year was the lowest year on record for fatalities, excluding 2021, which was heavily impacted by pandemic-related lockdowns and resulting changes in travel patterns.
TfL says the figures mark important progress towards the capital’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from London’s streets by 2041.
However, TfL adds that collective action is still needed and that it remains committed to working closely with London’s boroughs, the police and other partners to carry out the work needed to achieve this goal
People walking, cycling and motorcycling continue to be most at risk, making up 80% of all people killed or seriously injured in 2023.
The number of people killed while cycling has fallen by 40% against the 2010-14 baseline, from 13 to eight. Meanwhile, data shows that cycling journeys have continued to increase, up by 6.3% between 2022 and 2023, suggesting that cycling trips have become safer overall.
TfL says to continue to reduce risk and increase the number of people who choose to cycle, there is a need to continue to introduce safe, segregated cycling infrastructure, lower speeds and road safety initiatives.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Every death or serious injury on our streets is devastating. We’re making significant progress but we know there is more work to do to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads.
“The mayor is committed to making it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle around our city, which is why we are expanding our safer speed programme, tightening the Direct Vision Safety standard for HGVs and working with the boroughs to deliver high-quality cycle routes as we work to build a greener, safer London for everyone.”
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