London's ambitious plan to eliminate all road deaths by 2041 faces significant challenges, with new statistics revealing alarmingly slow progress towards this critical safety target.
Stalled Progress Despite Bold Promises
Official data shows that 3,707 people were killed or seriously injured on London's roads in 2024, representing just three fewer casualties than the previous year's total of 3,710. This minimal improvement falls far short of the pace needed to achieve Mayor Sadiq Khan's Vision Zero commitment to completely eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2041.
The Mayor's interim target of reducing casualties by 70% from the 2010-2014 baseline figure of 4,870 to 1,461 by 2030 appears increasingly challenging. Current figures show only a 24% reduction from the baseline period, leaving substantial ground to cover within the next six years.
Campaigners Demand Immediate Action
Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell delivered a stark assessment, telling reporters: "Bereaved families and Londoners with life changing injuries are paying the unacceptable price of systemic danger on our roads."
She outlined several urgent measures that could accelerate progress, including:
- Implementing 20mph speed limits across all relevant roads
- Introducing more pedestrian crossings throughout the city
- Redesigning dangerous junctions known for frequent accidents
Jeremy Leach from safety campaign group Action Vision Zero emphasised that while London leads other UK cities in road safety efforts, driver behaviour remains a persistent problem. He highlighted the need for better enforcement of speed limits and reduced traffic volumes to achieve meaningful change.
Bus Safety Concerns Highlighted
The safety challenges extend beyond general road traffic, with particular concerns raised about London's bus network. Although the Mayor pledged to eliminate all bus-related deaths by 2030, last year saw 248 people killed or seriously injured in incidents involving buses.
Former TfL board member Michael Liebreich offered a damning critique, stating: "The reality is that London has the least safe bus system of any major European city, and TfL and the Mayor would rather Londoners didn't know it."
Despite these concerns, Transport for London maintains that progress is being made. A TfL spokesperson noted there has been an 18% reduction in road fatalities compared to the 2010-2014 baseline, representing faster improvement than the rest of Great Britain.
The Path Forward
Both the Mayor's office and TfL acknowledge that more work is required. A spokesperson for the Mayor confirmed ongoing commitment to Vision Zero, highlighting several existing initiatives:
- The Direct Vision Standard for HGVs
- Bus Safety Standard improvements
- Cycleways upgrades across the capital
- Expansion of 20mph speed limits
Lilli Matson, TfL's Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, expressed sympathy for affected families while reaffirming the organisation's dedication to eliminating road deaths. "Every loss of life and injury is devastating," she stated, "and we have support available for those affected."
With the next version of London's Vision Zero Action Plan scheduled for early 2026, all eyes will be on whether more aggressive measures can be implemented to put the capital back on track towards its ambitious safety targets.
