New Government figures estimate there were 1,556 road fatalities in 2025, representing a year-on-year fall of 3%.
The official estimates, published by the DfT today (28 May), do however show a year-on-year increase in KSIs, up 4% to 29,910.
At 127,870, there was little change in the number of casualties of all severities when compared to 2024.
Looking at the main road user groups, there was a rise in the number of motorcycle users killed, up 13% to 384.
The increase marks the second consecutive annual increase in motorcycle user fatalities. However, the DfT says given year‑to‑year volatility in fatality numbers, it is too early to determine whether this represents a sustained upward trend or a short‑term fluctuation.
Conversely, there were falls in the number of pedestrians (down 9% to 372), car occupants (down 8% to 638) and pedal cyclists (down 1% to 81) killed.
Pedal cycle casualties showed the largest estimated percentage change in total casualties, an increase of 10% to 16,027.
James Gibson, Road Safety GB’s executive director, said: “A 3% drop in overall fatalities for 2025 is welcome, but the wider casualty figures remain deeply concerning.
“Killed and seriously injured casualties have risen by 4%, while total casualty numbers across all road user groups have shown little meaningful improvement. Particularly worrying is the rise in cyclist, motorcyclist and pedestrian casualties, with cyclists experiencing a sharp 14% increase in those killed or seriously injured.
“With the Road Safety Strategy now published and recent consultations closed, it will be interesting to see the direction taken by Government on areas that require new legislation or regulation.
“Road Safety GB stands ready to support the DfT and Government in helping to deliver the changes needed to improve safety on our roads.
“These latest figures are a stark reminder that far more action is needed across the road safety landscape — from education and training to awareness and enforcement. Every road user has a responsibility to act safely, stay alert and show care and consideration for others.”
Final annual estimates for 2025 are scheduled for publication in July 2026.
Alongside this publication is an update on engagement with STATS19 data providers and analysts, focusing on the recording of road safety factors and exploring reasons for changes in the use of certain factors compared with the previous contributory factors system.
Hi James,
Whilst it’s disappointing to see a reported rise in ‘motorcycle’ casualties, I don’t believe this is the full story. The report is based on ‘powered two wheelers’. It’s worth noting too, motorcycles have missed on a lot of car tech that’s saved drivers from themselves.
Buried deep in the STATS 19 reports that the Police complete is a breakdown of the vehicles and licence status of the riders of these vehicles which are not shared. If one of these devices is an illegal e-scooter or illegal ‘press/twist to go’ e-bike, these are lumped in under the rather meaningless ‘powered two wheeler’ catagory along with bonafide motorcyclists with a full bike licence or riding with L plates following a day’s CBT course.
Why does this matter? For two reasons:
1. Motorcycles – riden with care – are part of the solution to congestion and emissions; it’s been suggested a 10% move from cars to bikes by commuters will lead to 40% less congestion, a win-win for all – such as the movement of goods and services. Whilst not as environmently friendly as ‘active travel’, they can be used for longer journeys when travelling from out of town, for example. My commute from Reading to London involves 30 miles of motorway!
2. Proposed changes to training and testing regimes agreed years ago weren’t implimented, and are now being looked at again under the Road Safety Strategy. A broad ‘motorcycle casualties are increasing’ statement when we don’t know how many relate to riders who have gone through training and testing.
Legislation to allow the careful use of devices capable of no more than 15.5mph in line with e-bike rules was needed in summer of 2020 when told to get back to work and keep your distance, and here we are six years later. It’s good to see the Police now in a position to tackle some of this illegal device use, particularly the ones way outside of these controls.
Ben
Ben Graham Dip DI, Transport Manager CPC (Logistics / Commercial Vehicles)
Transport Manager and Fleet Driver Trainer
Mr Ben Graham, Reading
+1