Square Mile streets “safest in London” for cyclists and pedestrians

The City of London has been recognised as the safest area in the capital for cyclists and pedestrians, according to new data from the London Cycling Campaign*.

The news comes as the City of London Corporation – the governing body of the Square Mile – achieved the highest score out of all London Boroughs for raising awareness and improving visibility for HGV drivers on the City’s roads.

The organisation has gone above and beyond, introducing additional safety requirements across its transport and front line operational teams to promote vehicle safety and encourage higher standards across construction sites.

As part of its City Mark initiative, the City Corporation engages with contractors working across the Square Mile to ensure that HGV drivers are well trained, and that all vehicles over 12 tonnes operating in the City are fitted with cameras and safety systems to protect vulnerable road users.

It also holds Gold status in its Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme and is recognised as a Construction Logistics and Community Safety Champion.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, Mary Durcan, said:

“Encouraging people to walk and cycle more is just one of the ways we can reduce the impact of climate change and improve safety and our city’s air quality.

“Safety plays a huge part in reassuring people to make these decisions, which is why measures to reduce HGV blind spots and adding new technology for safer driving carry a much wider impact.

“I am delighted that our proactive approach has been recognised, and with our training initiatives and sophisticated technology across our own fleet, we are setting an example for others to follow.”

Chairman of the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, added:

“As footfall across the City of London continues to rise, it’s vital our Transport Strategy ensures that it is a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone to travel through. With our refreshed strategy, we can continue to improve the Square Mile for everyone.

“We know this work is making a difference. Our streets are safer with the latest figures showing the lowest number of serious injuries on our streets since records began.

“Our air quality is improving, too. When we first published our strategy in 2019, 15 locations across the City exceeded our air quality objective for toxic nitrogen dioxide. Last year this figure was down to two.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.

*London Council Lorry Safety Ratings – www.lcc.org.uk/news/londons-lorries-safer-from-today-thanks-to-lcc-and-mayor/

All construction projects in the City of London are members of the Considerate Contractors Scheme and City Mark is an addition to that scheme.

Sites in the Square Mile are monitored though City Mark to ensure the implementation of leading Work Related Road Safety initiatives, such as the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme and the Construction Logistics for Community Safety – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/streets/driving-in-the-city-of-london.