Most dangerous areas in London for pedestrians
- Westminster is London’s most dangerous area for pedestrians.
- Kensington and Chelsea ranks second with Camden being the third most dangerous area.
- Overall pedestrian casualties rose from 14,244 in 2020 to 18,667 in 2022, an increase of 31% over 2 years.
Westminster is the most dangerous area of London for pedestrians, with the most casualties per 100,000 of the population between 2013 and 2022.
Research by automobile experts at Ovoko analysed data from the UK’s Department for Transport to identify the areas in which the most collisions that involved pedestrian injuries occurred between 2013 and 2022.
Pedestrian casualties per 100,000 of the population
|
Local Authority |
Average population (2013-2022) |
Total casualties (2013-2022) |
Overall pedestrian casualty rate per 100K (2013-2022) |
| Westminster | 210,931 | 4,042 | 191.63 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 150,232 | 1,513 | 100.71 |
| Camden | 218,148 | 2,128 | 97.55 |
| Lambeth | 322,765 | 2,433 | 75.38 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 186,812 | 1,402 | 75.05 |
| Hackney | 262,357 | 1,912 | 72.88 |
| Haringey | 270,184 | 1,922 | 71.14 |
| Islington | 218,911 | 1,504 | 68.70 |
| Tower Hamlets | 296,103 | 1,993 | 67.31 |
| Southwark | 306,935 | 1,949 | 63.50 |
| Newham | 339,671 | 1,978 | 58.23 |
1. Westminster
With an alarming pedestrian casualty rate of 191.63 per 100,000 people, Westminster is by far the most dangerous borough for pedestrians in London. Despite its relatively small average population of 210,931, a staggering 4,042 casualties were recorded over the nine-year period. The borough’s bustling streets and high footfall in areas such as Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square contribute to this high figure.
2. Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea rank second, with a casualty rate of 100.71 per 100,000 people. The borough, home to 150,232 people, recorded 1,513 casualties. Its narrow roads, high levels of traffic, and tourist-heavy zones are likely factors in the elevated casualty rate.
3. Camden
Camden comes third with a casualty rate of 97.55 per 100,000 people. With 218,148 residents, the borough experienced 2,128 casualties. The popularity of areas such as Camden Market and King’s Cross, combined with dense pedestrian and vehicle traffic, contributes to these statistics.
4. Lambeth
Lambeth has a casualty rate of 75.38 per 100,000 people, placing it fourth on the list. Despite having one of the largest populations on the list at 322,765, it recorded 2,433 casualties, reflecting a slightly lower risk for its residents compared to central boroughs.
5. Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham report a pedestrian casualty rate of 75.05 per 100,000 people. This west London borough, with a population of 186,812, saw 1,402 casualties during the nine-year period, driven by busy arterial roads such as the A4 and A40.
6. Hackney
Hackney is sixth, with a casualty rate of 72.88 per 100,000 people. The borough’s population of 262,357 recorded 1,912 casualties, highlighting safety challenges in one of London’s most rapidly growing areas.
7. Haringey
Haringey ranks seventh with a casualty rate of 71.14 per 100,000 people. With 270,184 residents, 1,922 casualties were reported. Its proximity to major roads and growing population density are likely contributors.
8. Islington
Islington’s casualty rate stands at 68.70 per 100,000 people, placing it eighth. Home to 218,911 residents, the borough reported 1,504 casualties during the study period. The mix of residential streets and commercial hubs plays a role in these figures.
9. Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets recorded a casualty rate of 67.31 per 100,000 people. With a population of 296,103, the borough reported 1,993 casualties. The borough’s development boom and high traffic volumes have created significant pedestrian safety challenges.
10. Southwark
Rounding out the top 10 is Southwark, with a pedestrian casualty rate of 63.50 per 100,000 people. Despite its large population of 306,935, the borough recorded 1,949 casualties, making it relatively safer compared to central London areas.
A spokesperson from Ovoko commented: “London’s dense population and high traffic volumes pose unique challenges for pedestrian safety. While central boroughs like Westminster remain the most dangerous, every borough has room for improvement to ensure safer streets for all. Narrow pavements and poorly lit areas only add to the risk, making it difficult for people to navigate safely, especially during rush hour or in bad weather.”
Featured Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash.