Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new pilot victim support service in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), police and the Brake and RoadPeace charities.

The new service will enhance the level of support available to families left bereaved and those catastrophically injured

The service will enhance support for victims of the most serious road traffic collisions in London.

Although progress is being made in tackling road traffic casualties, 2022 figures show 102 people were tragically killed and 3,859 seriously injured on London’s roads.

The new service will enhance the level of support available to families left bereaved and those catastrophically injured, and make it easier to access the help they need following incidents that can often devastate lives.

Sophie Linden, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: “Victims and families affected by road danger are often not getting the support they need and deserve. Currently the onus is on victims – who are often traumatised, in shock or bereaved – to proactively seek out support services and many fall through the net. This can’t be allowed to continue. The Victim Support Partnership pilot will provide high-quality support and give officers the resources they need to communicate this offer to victims more effectively. This pilot will make a real difference to victims’ lives.”

The pilot will be run by both charities involved and goes live this autumn. Those eligible for support will be offered direct referral from the police, removing the onus of seeking out support.

TfL will evaluate the service over the one-year pilot period to gauge the future approach beyond the trial.

Enhancing support for victims is part of TfL’s Vision Zero commitment to reduce road danger and its impact in London and the new service was announced at the 2023 Vision Zero Summit, which marked five years since the launch of Vision Zero in London.