London Green Party Assembly Member Jenny Jones has called on the Mayor to reverse road safety budget cuts in light of figures, published today, showing that the number of people seriously injured on London’s roads increased by 9 per cent between 2011 and 2012. Pedestrian injuries were up 17 per cent, cyclist injuries were up 18 per cent and the number of children injured also rose by 19 per cent.
The Mayor of London reduced the road safety budget from £59m in 2008 to £23m in 2012/13.
Jenny Jones AM commented:
“I am pleased to learn that road deaths are down but today’s figures show another alarming increase in the number of cyclists, pedestrians and children suffering seriously injuries on our roads. The Mayor should reverse his road safety budget cuts and roll out measures like 20mph zones to make our streets safe for people on foot and bike.
“London has had an amazing decade of success in reducing road casualties but that has now ended.
“It is unacceptable that the Mayor has allowed London’s roads to become increasingly dangerous for vulnerable road users.”