New data shows decline in road deaths

There has been a decline in the number of people killed on Great Britian’s roads, with fatalities falling by 4% year-on-year to 1,645 deaths, according to new figures published by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The biggest decline highlighted in the Government’s annual road casualty statistics was fatalities for motorcyclists, which fell by 12%.

Car occupant fatalities showed a decline of 5%, while pedal cyclist fatalities fell by 7%, but pedestrian fatalities showed an increase of 6%.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “While there has been a slight decline in the year-on-year number of road users killed in crashes, the larger proportion of pedestrian fatalities, which is now at its highest since before the pandemic, should be a red flag to the Government signifying just how dangerous our roads still are.”

The RAC says that it is “extremely concerning” that these figures have risen in the two years since the Highway Code was changed with a view to making the roads safer for the most vulnerable users.

“We hope there isn’t a negative link between the two, but with RAC research showing a third of drivers think pedestrians now face greater danger at junctions due to the changes, there seem to be questions that need answering,” continued Williams.

In terms of overall road user casualties, it appears the youngest and oldest age groups are most at risk.

The number of female fatalities between the ages of 0-16 increased by 17% compared to 2022, and the percentage for males within the same age group jumped by a third (31%) compared to the year before.

Among the 414 female fatalities on our roads in 2023, nearly four-in-10 (151 – 36%) were in the 70 and over age group. 

“Any number of deaths on the road is too many, so we strongly encourage the new Government not to take these figures lightly and to make road safety a priority,” said Williams. 

“We continue to believe the Government should reinstate road casualty reduction targets.”

One in 40 drivers not wearing a seatbelt

Separate analysis of road casualty statistics carried out by the AA, shows that one in 12 young passengers (aged 14-29) are not wearing a seatbelt, compared to one in 40 drivers overall.

The figures also show that one in every 300 drivers has been observed using their hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Even though being caught for using a hand-held mobile phone carries a £200 fine and six points, many drivers are still tempted to pick up their phone, says the AA.

Both seatbelt compliance and mobile phone use worsen in the evening and at night – with mobile phone abuse up 2.5 times at night.

The AA has called for more road traffic officers to police the roads as well as set challenging road safety targets to eliminate road fatalities and injuries.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Any fatality and injury on our roads is tragic and it’s important we take bold steps to eliminate road deaths.

“The shocking fact that drivers and passengers alike are willing to travel in a moving car without a seatbelt on is horrific. We need to do everything possible to change this behaviour once and for all and ensure everyone clips in before setting off.

“A generational lapse in one of the most basic road safety disciplines is contributing to 21% of car occupant fatalities.

“Years ago, it was drummed into drivers and then passengers to belt up before setting off on a car journey. Now, it seems that too many car occupants have become complacent and failure to wear a seat belt is a major concern and potential killer.”

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) has coordinated a manifesto calling for immediate and strategic action to address the persistent issue of road fatalities and serious injuries in the UK.

With support, now from more than 60 leading organisations and growing by the day, the manifesto outlines four strategic priorities aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads.

Jamie Hassall, executive director of PACTS, said: “When we have strong leadership and a strategic approach the UK has managed to half the numbers of road deaths in a decade but since 2010 the focus was lost and daily road deaths have remained at five. 

“Investing in road safety is not just a moral duty but it’s good for people’s health and wellbeing, the environment, business, and the country.”

Road death decrease in London

Transport for London (TfL) has published annual casualty statistics that show the number of people tragically killed or seriously injured on London's roads in 2023 fell by 6% to the second lowest level on record, from 3,974 to 3,709.

Last year, it reports, was the lowest year on record for fatalities, excluding 2021, which was heavily affected by pandemic-related lockdowns and changes in travel patterns. 

The number of people killed and seriously injured on London’s roads has also reduced overall by 24% against the 2010-2014 baseline.

However, 95 people were tragically killed on London’s roads. 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, however, has fallen by 40% against the 2010-14 baseline, from 13 to eight.

Data shows that cycling journeys have continued to increase with the number of daily cycle journeys increasing to 1.26 million in 2023, up by 6.3% since 2022, suggesting that cycling trips have become safer overall. Concerns around safety remain one of the biggest barriers to cycling. 

In 2023, meanwhile, there were 252 people seriously injured in collisions involving a TfL Bus, including passengers, and six people killed, which represents a 43% reduction in bus involved fatalities from the 2010-2014 baseline.

Cars continued to be the main vehicle type involved in collisions in 2023 and are involved in 68% of all casualties on London’s roads.

Speeding remains one of the biggest risks to road users, with around half of the 2023 fatal collisions in London reporting speed as a contributory factor.

TfL says it is continuing to work on lowering speeds across London, and last year lowered the speed limit on selected roads in 14 boroughs, exceeding its target to lower the speed limit on 140km (87 miles) of roads by March 2024. There are now 264km (164m) of TfL roads are now subject to a 20mph speed limit.

The Met is currently on target to be able to take action on a million speeding offences by the end of 24/25. In 2023/24, more than 800,000 speeding offences were enforced.

Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer said: “It's encouraging to see that real progress is being made towards our Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from the transport network.

“Last year saw the lowest number of road deaths in London on record, with the exception of 2021, which was heavily impacted by Covid restrictions.”