TfL data shows fatalities dropped to 96 last year, though serious injuries climbed eight percent
The number of people killed on London’s roads fell to 96 in 2025, down from 110 in 2024 — a reduction of nearly 13 percent, according to provisional statistics published by Transport for London. This represents the second-lowest annual death toll on record, excluding 2021 when pandemic restrictions significantly reduced traffic volumes.
However, serious injuries increased by eight percent over the same period, rising from 3,597 to 3,900 cases. TfL has acknowledged the rise as a serious concern and outlined plans to address the underlying causes.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable road users in the capital. In 2025, these groups accounted for 81 percent of all people killed or seriously injured — a total of 3,217 individuals.
Six cyclists were fatally injured during the year. While this figure remains unacceptable to safety authorities, it is the lowest recorded since 2020 and the second-lowest in history. Notably, this reduction occurred despite cycling levels continuing to grow. London recorded 1.5 million daily cycle journeys in 2025, a 12.7 percent increase from 1.33 million the previous year. The injury rate per million cycle journeys also fell by 27 percent compared to the 2010–14 baseline.
Speed Remains a Leading Cause of Fatal Collisions
Excess speed was recorded as a contributing factor in 57 percent of fatal collisions in 2025 — 53 out of 93 incidents. Cars were involved in the majority of collisions resulting in death or serious injury.
In response, TfL has expanded 20mph speed limits across its road network. More than 250 kilometers of TfL-managed roads are now subject to this lower limit, with at least a further 65 kilometers scheduled for speed reductions by 2030. Safety camera infrastructure is also being expanded, with at least 20 new enforcement sites planned and investment in updated camera technology.
Bus Safety Progress
Ten people died in collisions involving a bus in 2025. While every such death is treated as preventable, this figure is the lowest recorded since 2021. Bus passenger injury levels also reached their lowest point outside of the pandemic period.
TfL has committed to full deployment of Intelligent Speed Assist technology across its entire bus fleet by 2031. An updated Bus Safety Standard is also due to be published in the coming weeks, setting out new requirements for manufacturers, supply chains, and operators.
Work-Related Driving: A Significant Risk Factor
TfL analysis covering 2022 to 2024 found that approximately 45 percent of all people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads — around 1,700 people annually — were involved in collisions where a driver or rider was working at the time. Of these, roughly 1,450 were members of the public rather than the working driver or rider themselves.
Identified risk factors include driver fatigue, time pressure, high vehicle mileage, app-related distractions, and limited access to welfare facilities. TfL is continuing to examine how working conditions contribute to road danger across different sectors.
Vision Zero: The Road to 2041
TfL, London’s boroughs, and the Metropolitan Police are working toward eliminating all road deaths and serious injuries by 2041 under the Vision Zero programme. A refreshed action plan sets out 43 specific measures, including redesigning dangerous junctions, improving side road safety, and strengthening enforcement against dangerous driving.
Since the programme launched in 2015, an estimated 262 deaths have been prevented on London’s roads. TfL has expanded the strategic cycling network from 90 kilometers in 2016 to over 441 kilometers in 2025, with 29 percent of Londoners now living within 400 meters of a dedicated cycle route.
For more background on the city’s long-term road safety strategy, see the London Mayor’s road safety plan to eliminate traffic deaths by 2041.
What the Data Means for Londoners
The 2025 figures present a mixed picture. Progress on reducing fatalities is genuine and measurable. The rise in serious injuries, however, signals that more targeted action is needed — particularly around cycling infrastructure, speed enforcement, and commercial driver welfare.
TfL has stated it will continue prioritizing the measures most likely to reduce harm for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users across the capital.
