Lambeth “one of the most dangerous London boroughs” in which to drive

By Kate Dennett

The deadliest boroughs in which to drive in the capital have been revealed in a new transport study.

Lambeth has ranked as one of the most dangerous places in London, new analysis of Department of Transport date by car specialist AMT shows.

The borough reported 1,458 casualties from roadside accidents in 2018, ranking it second highest in the city.

South London has proven itself to be one of the riskiest areas for driving, with many boroughs ranking highly for casualties.

Ian Wright, head of leasing at AMT Group, said: “Lambeth has been among the three most dangerous boroughs to drive through since 2009, and second only to Westminster for the last six years.

“Aside from 2016 and 2017, the number of people seriously injured on the roads there is the highest it has been in a decade.

“Traffic is predicted to rise in the coming year, including throughout London.

“Even though Lambeth will be partially within the ULEZ (ultra-low emission zone) extension in 2021, the growth of highly-efficient and electric cars will mean that traffic is unlikely to fall even then.

“London is the only area of England where road casualty numbers are expected to rise in 2020 – by around 300 people – despite advances in vehicle safety.”

Westminster had more than 300 more casualties than Lambeth, both followed closely by Tower Hamlets.

Southwark also ranked highly for road casualties, with 1,291 incidents being reported in 2018.

Bexley was proven to be one of the safest places in London to drive, with only 637 reported casualties last year.

Car casualties were predicted to rise by almost two per cent by this year, but fatalities were expected to drop from 111 in 2018 to 101 by 2020.

Figures for this year so far are not available.

London was the most dangerous area for drivers in the country, with 30,617 casualties and 111 fatalities being reported across 2018.

More than 5,500 miles of road do not have mobile signal, meaning many accidents are not reported.

Car occupants accounted for 44 per cent of road deaths last year, but motorbikes continue to be the riskiest form of transport.

There were 16,818 casualties and 354 fatalities reported from motorbike users across 2018.

London casualties have increased by more than 10,000 in the past 10 years, and continue to rapidly rise.

Pictured top: The scene of a collision in Broad Walk, Kidbrooke, where the driver of a lorry which hit two cars before crashing into a house died and an 11-year-old child is in a life-threatening condition in hospital this week (Picture:PA)