Local roads most dangerous in London

More deaths in Hounslow Borough than anywhere else

New figures released by Transport for London show that Hounslow Borough has the highest number of road deaths in the capital. 15 people were killed on roads in the area during 2004 out of a total a 216 in London overall.

Fatalities fell by 21% across London. These results mean that the capital has almost reached the Mayor's target to cut death and serious injury on the roads by 40 per cent by 2010. There were 939 fewer serious injuries compared to 2003, down to 3,953. Hounslow, however was one of only two boroughs to see an increase in fatal and serious accidents over the year.

Cllr. Ron Bartholomew, Hounslow's Executive Member for Enhancing our Environment, said, "We are very concerned by the number of people who are killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents in the borough, and we're continuing to work with Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police to reduce these accidents. For example, speed cameras were installed on the A4 Great West Road, which has had a noticeable effect on traffic speed in the area, and the Chiswick Exemplar has many features designed to reduce accidents."

He pointed out that there has been a significant drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured on local roads - 191 in 2002 to 134 in 2004 and added, "We would encourage motorists to drive more responsibly, as speeding is a significant factor in many accidents, and ask pedestrians to be more careful when crossing roads."

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said, "I am asking Transport for London to start work with the boroughs and the police with a view to establishing an even more challenging target of a 50 per cent reduction by 2010 in the number of deaths and serious injuries on the Capital's roads."

The figures also show that cyclist deaths and injuries are down by 23 per cent beating the Government's 2010 reduction target six years early.

Power two wheeler riders killed or seriously injured are down by 22 per cent. However, the number of children killed in London in 2004 was 16 an increase from the 12 killed the year before.

Peter Hendy, Managing Director Surface Transport, TfL, said, "Measures such as 20 mph zones, improved road layouts and the further roll out of safety cameras mean that we are making great progress."

June 6, 2005