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Ken's pledge to halve child road deaths
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent14.03.08
The Mayor has pledged to halve the number of children being killed or seriously injured on London's roads by 2010.
Ken Livingstone, on a visit to an inner London primary school, claimed his policies had already led to 500 fewer casualties a year.
He promised to work with London boroughs to designate all residential streets as 20mph zones and support more safe pedestrian crossings.
Since 2000, there has been a reduction by 40 per cent of all people killed or injured on the capital's roads.
"This is the result of comprehensive policies to support pedestrians, including more pedestrian crossings and giving pedestrians longer to cross at traffic lights - even if it means cars have to wait a few seconds longer," Mr Livingstone said.
"To maintain real progress my transport manifesto sets out a commitment to now deliver a 50 per cent reduction in all casualties and a 60 per cent reduction in under-16 child road casualties by 2010," he added.
Almost 950 children were killed or seriously injured in 1998, according to Transport for London. By 2006, this number fell to 400, according to casualty figures.
Reader views (5)
Maybe a decrease in road deaths has something to do with traffic now moving so slow in London. Of course there will be a decrease in deaths when traffic is travelling at 5mph.
As for cycling there has been no improvements to my 7 mile ride into central London the whole time Ken has been mayor. The roads are more potholed and anywhere you try and lock your bike up you get chased away or your bike removed.
- Greg, London
This is so typically anti car and scare mongering with no justification. I agree that road deaths are avoidable far less than 50% where it is car vs pedestrian are the fault of the car driver more like 10%. Why not deal with the cause of the 90%, teach children how to cross the road again and deal with parents who put children at risk by not controlling them.
London Boroughs can only designate a road 20MPH if there is a clear need on a road by road basis. The Mayor has no power to change this only Westminster can. If there is a need then they are already 20MPH or should be made 20.
- Vince, United Kingdom, London
There are so many unnecessary road bumps on the roads now, it's like being on a roller coaster. In the back of taxis road bumps hurl you into the air even at 20mph. They should all be removed. It's laziness and lack of innovation just pouring tar lumps every five yards.
- Alan Williams, Blackheath, UK
This is a vital policy and one that must be carried through.
Road deaths are totally avoidable, let children have the bright future they deserve!
- Sam Cullen, London,UK
Why not get the parents to be responsible for their kids and look after them properly. Not wander the streets getting killed by cars or gang fights and let the rest of us get on with our life's without more pressure from Ken Stalinstone.
- Den, London
