The City of London Corporation is projected to fail its key 2030 target for reducing deaths and serious injuries on its roads, according to newly published data. The governing body for the Square Mile had set an interim goal of no more than 20 such incidents by the end of the decade, but current figures show it is significantly off course.
Concerning Data Points Off Target
Official statistics released ahead of a Planning and Transportation Committee meeting reveal that 57 people were seriously injured in road collisions within the City during 2024. This marks an increase from the 42 recorded in 2023, though it is slightly lower than the 59 incidents in 2022. The data also records one fatality for the year, ending a two-year period with zero road deaths.
A trajectory graph produced by the Corporation indicates that the total of 58 people killed or seriously injured last year is approximately 20 incidents above the path needed to achieve the 2030 objective. The long-term ambition, aligned with Mayor Sadiq Khan's strategy, is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries entirely by 2040 under the 'Vision Zero' policy.
Mixed Trends and Vulnerable Road Users
The report presents a complex picture. When comparing the three-year average for all injuries (2022-2024) against earlier baselines (2010-2014 and 2017-2019), the Corporation notes substantial reductions of 48% and 40% respectively. For serious injuries specifically, the decreases are 16% and 23%.
However, the annual figures for serious injuries tell a different story. The 57 incidents in 2024 represent the second-highest annual count since 2019. The situation appears to have worsened for cyclists and pedestrians. Serious injuries among people walking or wheeling rose from 17 in 2022 to 23 in 2024. For cyclists, the number increased from 22 to 27 over the same period.
Bruce McVean, the Corporation's Assistant Director for Policy and Projects, acknowledged the longer-term decline in injuries but stated, "This means that we are not currently on trajectory to meet our interim Vision Zero targets." He contextualised the figures against rising post-pandemic footfall and growing cycling numbers, suggesting an overall reduction in individual risk.
Community Calls for Faster Action
Local residents and business groups have expressed frustration at the pace of change. The Barbican and Golden Lane Neighbourhood Forum has urged the Corporation to accelerate specific safety upgrades, including implementing planned improvements to the Aldersgate, Long Lane, and Beech Street area before the end of August 2026.
Liz Hirst, Vice Chair of the Forum, warned that long-term work has been "slow" and short-term measures are not making a noticeable difference. "Over 400 people have died or been seriously injured on City streets since 2017 - 58 last year alone," she said, highlighting particular danger spots like the roads outside Barbican Tube station.
In response to the data, Corporation officers reaffirmed their commitment in the report: "We will continue to work with our partners to the actions set out in the Vision Zero Action Plan, encouraging safer behaviours whilst delivering physical changes to our streets." This includes the Safer Streets programme, which is exploring changes to key junctions, with further feasibility work planned for the new year.
The committee meeting also addressed enforcement. Officers confirmed they are working with bike hire operators and the City of London Police to tackle poor behaviour by cyclists, such as running red lights. This follows revelations that the police are exploring options to increase penalties for cyclists who commit repeated offences, though challenges remain due to high cyclist volumes.
