New statistics show the number of people killed on London’s roads fell to the lowest level on record in 2021 – despite a rise in the number of KSI casualties.
The data, published by TfL to mark the start of Vision Zero Week, shows there were 75 road deaths last year, a year-on-year fall of 22%.
Conversely, the number of people killed or seriously injured increased by 17%, rising from 3,070 in 2020 to 3,580 in 2021.
TfL attributes this to traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels – and says it demonstrates the need for ‘continued action’ to achieve the Capital’s Vision Zero goal.
Stuart Reid, head of insights and direction for TfL, said: “Although last year saw the lowest number of road deaths in London on record, the latest casualty stats show that it is more important than ever to double down on our Vision Zero goal of eliminating deaths and serious injury from London’s roads.
“We’re calling on everyone across London to continue to look out for each other on the roads, as safe behaviours can save countless lives and prevent families, friends and entire communities of people from experiencing unnecessary suffering.”
TfL pursues shift away from private vehicles
The data shows vulnerable road users continue to be most at risk with people walking, cycling and motorcycling making up 81% of KSI casualties in 2021.
The number of people killed while cycling in 2021 was down by 40% on the 2005-09 baseline, from 17 to 10. However, serious injuries to people cycling increased by 54%.
TfL says this partly reflects increases in the number of journeys cycled, with the most recent figures showing the share of road journeys by bicycle almost doubling to 4%.
It adds that a shift away from private vehicles to walking, cycling and public transport will significantly help to reduce Londoners’ exposure to road danger, while also helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “The pandemic has 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.
“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.”
Vision Zero Week
The stats were published to mark the start of Vision Zero Week, which aims to shine a spotlight on the Capital’s aim to eliminate road death and serious injury by 2041.
During the week, TfL is releasing videos with victims of road trauma to show that behind every casualty there’s a personal story.
Other highlights include a Youth Panel interview with Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health & environment officer, which will be streamed live on TfL’s Instagram page on Tuesday (28 June) at 1:30pm.
An interview with Dr Gareth Grier, consultant in emergency medicine at The Royal London Hospital – conducted by Victoria Le Brec, road safety campaigner and crash victim – will be streamed live on TfL’s Facebook page on Wednesday (29 June) at 4.30pm.
27 June 2022
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