The number of children killed or seriously injured crossing roads is almost five times higher in the most deprived postcodes than the wealthiest areas, official analysis suggests.
The figures from the Department for Transport show a widening gap over the past 10 years in road casualties between those living in the poorest 10% of postcodes of England and the most affluent 10%.
The number of people reported killed or seriously injured across Great Britain’s roads went up to 29,918 in 2025, 2,432 of whom were under 16. The total was 3% above the 2022-24 average while fatalities fell 4% to 1,538.
However, an analysis by the DfT of where the most serious accidents in England occurred showed stark differences in the proportion of casualties from poorer and wealthier areas, particularly among younger people.
More than 20% of child pedestrians killed or seriously injured lived in the most deprived 10% of areas, compared with 4% living in the least deprived, according to the DfT report on deprivation and road casualties in England.
It found strong links between casualties and deprivation for all pedestrian and bus users. While the difference is less stark for car occupants, mileage is higher in wealthier postcodes, which the analysts said “suggests that the risk for car occupants is much higher for the most deprived income deciles even though they have less exposure”.
The overall British figures released by the government showed fatalities continued to rise for motorcycle users, countering the falling death toll for car drivers.
Campaigners said the 14% rise – from 325 deaths in 2024 to 372 last year – needed a response.
Rebecca Guy of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: “It is particularly concerning that the gap between the most and least deprived areas has widened over the last decade.
“If the government is serious about reducing road deaths and serious injuries, tackling inequality must be at the heart of its approach.
“That means targeting investment and prevention efforts toward the communities at greatest risk, ensuring everyone has access to safe roads, safe infrastructure and safe journeys.”
Guy added that motorcyclists were one of the most vulnerable groups on the roads and the figures reinforced the need for targeted action to improve their safety.
Speeding was a factor in 52% of recorded deaths on Great Britain’s roads last year. More than three-quarters of those killed across all types of accidents were male, the figures show.
Motorways were statistically the safest roads per mile travelled in 2025 – accounting for only 6% of fatalities despite carrying 21% of traffic.
The DfT was approached for comment.
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