The number of people killed on London’s roads fell to the lowest level on record in 2021 but overall casualties have increased since the coronavirus lockdowns ended and traffic has returned.  

Transport for London data shows fatalities fell by 22% last year, but there was a 10% increase in the number of people injured in road traffic collisions

The new data from Transport for London (TfL) shows fatalities fell by 22% last year, compared to a 7% increase nationally.   

However, there was a 10% increase in the number of people injured in road traffic collisions compared to the previous year, and an 11% increase nationally, as traffic returned to normal levels following lockdowns. And the number of people killed or seriously injured increased by 17% compared to 2020, compared to a 13% increase nationally.  

The data also shows vulnerable road users continue to be most at risk, with people walking, cycling and motorcycling making up 81% of all people killed or seriously injured in 2021.   

Cars continued to be the main vehicle type involved in collisions in 2021, highlighting the risks posed to Londoners and the capital by a car-led recovery from the pandemic. Speeding remains the biggest risk to road users with half of the 2021 fatal collisions in London (37 out of 75) reporting speed as a contributory factor.  

TfL said the figures showed continued action is needed to achieve the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from the transport network.  

This week is Vision Zero week, with TfL, the Metropolitan Police, London boroughs and the Mayor working together to highlight the problem of road danger and the trauma caused by collisions, and generate awareness of Vision Zero across all Londoners.  

TfL also continues to work with the Met to increase the level of police enforcement and tackle speeding and the harm it causes, with the aim of having the capacity to enforce up to one million speeding offences by 2024/25. It’s also rolling out lower speed limits, which have a critical role in the Mayor’s Vision Zero Plan to eliminate deaths and serious injury on the transport network. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan 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.  

“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. 

 “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.”