By Lucy Caulkett-
Official figures from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) reveal alarming statistics on road traffic collisions (RTCs) in the capital, with Croydon emerging as the most perilous borough for motorists.
The LFB, responding to 11 RTCs daily last winter, calls upon the public to exercise caution on the roads to mitigate the growing number of accidents.
Between November 2022 and February 2023, LFB crews attended a staggering 1,369 incidents, resulting in 366 rescues, nine fatalities, and 350 injuries. Croydon, with 80 RTCs, surpassed all other boroughs by 7.5%, making it London’s road collision hotspot.
The statistics indicate a concerning trend, especially as winter conditions introduce new hazards such as ice and snow.
Station Officer Daniel Foster of Croydon Fire Station received a Deputy Assistant Commissioner’s commendation for his “respect the road” safety training, aimed at educating young drivers about road risks.
Foster secured local authority funding for a dedicated road safety hub at Croydon Fire Station, featuring a driving simulator and virtual reality training videos.
Despite Croydon’s larger size and population, the substantial increase in RTCs compared to other boroughs is notable.
The LFB emphasizes that the five boroughs with the highest collision rates are all located in outer London.
In support of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041, the LFB underscores the significance of road safety.
Station Officer Foster advises road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, to be vigilant during the winter, recognizing the heightened risk of collisions due to weather and lighting changes.
The LFB’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to reduce incidents on London’s roads, acknowledging the collective responsibility of all road users. As winter hazards intensify, the call for increased caution resonates as a crucial step toward ensuring road safety in the capital.
The Brigade’s crews attended 1,369 separate incidents in a four-month period between November 2022 and February this year.
Of those, 80 were on Croydon’s roads – 7.5% more than the next-worst London borough.
Lambeth had less than two-thirds the number of RTCs as Croydon (at 50), Southwark and Merton less than half (37 and 34 respectively) and Sutton just 26. Neighbouring Bromley’s drivers saw 67 call outs for the Fire Brigade in just four months.
The Brigade noted that the five boroughs with the highest rate for collisions attended are all outer London boroughs.
Research conducted by Direct Line Motor Insurance in 2022 revealed UK postcodes with the highest rates of vehicle crime.
In the research, Croydon ranked ahead of NW10 (Brent), N17 (Haringey), E17 (Waltham Forest) and NW2 (Barnet), with the highest-ranking non-London postcode being LE3 (Leicester) in seventh place
Statistically, Croydon is one of the larger boroughs by area and population. But the number of additional RTCs in this borough compared to all others is significant.
Station Officer Foster said: “Drivers should take extra care when using the roads in winter. Slight changes in weather and lighting over winter can create difficult conditions on the road, increasing the risk of collisions. Even the most experienced drivers may find themselves more likely to be involved in a collision.
“We recommend road users avoid travelling in harsh weather where possible, especially if they don’t feel confident driving in poor conditions.
“It is not just drivers who need to follow this advice. Changes in weather can also impact the safety of cyclists on the road, and longer periods of darkness can make pedestrians less visible.
“All road users can take actions to help improve their safety.”