London’s firefighters faced a significant increase in road traffic collisions (RTCs) during the winter months of November 2022 to February 2023.

The brigade attended an average of 11 collisions per day, totalling 1,369 incidents over the four-month period.

This period was marked not only by numerous rescues but also by the tragic loss of nine lives.

Detailed analysis of winter road traffic collisions

The London Fire Brigade’s response to these incidents is a small yet significant part of a broader picture of road safety in the capital.

In 2022, over 23,500 road collisions were recorded in London, with the majority causing only minor injuries.

However, approximately 3,725 of these incidents resulted in serious injuries, including fractures and burns.

Notably, collisions were more prevalent in areas of higher deprivation, with the top 10% most deprived areas experiencing nearly 2,800 collisions, more than double the number in the least deprived areas.

National fire and rescue incident statistics

The situation in London reflects a national trend observed across England.

In the year ending December 2022, fire and rescue services (FRSs) attended 627,553 incidents, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.

These incidents included 183,209 fires and a substantial number of non-fire incidents, such as road traffic collisions.

This rise in RTCs aligns with increases in road traffic following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The number of RTCs in 2022 returned to levels seen prior to the pandemic, with 31,162 incidents recorded.

IFSJ Comment

The increase in road traffic collisions attended by the London Fire Brigade last winter is a concerning trend that reflects wider issues in road safety and emergency response.

The data indicates a need for continued focus on road safety measures, especially in areas of higher deprivation where the incidence of collisions is notably higher.

This situation also underscores the critical role of fire and rescue services in responding to non-fire incidents, a responsibility that has grown in prominence alongside their traditional firefighting duties.

The upward trend in road traffic collisions not only in London but across England highlights the ongoing challenge for emergency services in addressing the diverse needs of their communities.