Some of the most serious cases we deal with are pedestrian accidents involving children. The injuries can range from minor bumps to fatalities.
It’s prompted us to conduct our own research to uncover just how many children are killed and injured on the roads in the UK each year and what can be done to tackle the issue.
Below, you can find out how we conducted our research, as well as the statistics for each area of the country.
How We Conducted Our Research
We sent Freedom of Information Requests to The Department For Transport asking for the number of pedestrian child (aged 0-15) casualties by local authority district or country in England between 2021 to 2022.
Data was obtained for 309 local authority areas. An analysis of figures showed that between 2021 and 2022, the number of children who had been killed or injured as pedestrians increased by 16% in England.
A total of 33,212 children were killed or injured as pedestrians in England over the two years – that’s an average of 49 casualties every day.
In 2021, the DfT recorded 15,366 pedestrian child casualties, which rose to 17,846 in 2022.
Out of 304 local authority district areas in England, the majority (57 per cent) recorded an increase in child fatalities and injuries caused by road vehicles.
A total of 27 areas (9%) recorded the same figures for both years.
Road Traffic Accident Specialist at Personal Injury Claims UK, Mike Higgins said: “These figures are extremely concerning. Children are particularly vulnerable to potential dangers on the roads. As a pedestrian, you are owed a duty of care from other road users including drivers and cyclists.
“In cases where this duty of care has been breached, it can cause not only physical harm but psychological harm. No child should die as a pedestrian or indeed be injured in any way through no fault of their own.
“We hope that these figures highlight the necessary concerns and spark action into ensuring that pedestrians, particularly children, are safe.”
The Results: Statistics On Child Pedestrian Casualties By Area
Pedestrian Child Casualties in England by Local Authority Area between 2021 and 2022
Birmingham
More children were killed or injured as pedestrians in Birmingham than any other area in England, according to the latest figures from the Department For Transport.
In Birmingham, a total of 287 children (aged 0-15) were killed or injured as pedestrians in 2021 and 2022.
Figures rose from 134 in 2021 to 153 in 2022, an increase of 14 per cent.
Leeds
Leeds reported the second highest child pedestrian casualties in England, with figures soaring by 21% between 2021 and 2022.
A total of 210 pedestrian child road casualties were recorded in 2021 and 2022.
Figures increased from 95 in 2021 to 115 in 2022.
Bradford
The third highest number of children killed or injured as pedestrians in England was recorded in Bradford, where figures rose by 15% between 2021 and 2022.
A total of 191 casualties were logged by the Department of Transport. There were 89 in 2021, rising to 102 the following year.
Liverpool
Liverpool recorded the fourth highest number of child pedestrian casualties in England between 2021 and 2022.
A total of 142 casualties were recorded for the city. 67 in 2021 and 75 in 2022, marking a 12% increase.
Kirklees
A total of 105 child pedestrians were recorded in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire.
Figures soared by 23% rising from 47 in 2021 to 58 in 2022.
Sheffield
Sheffield recorded a staggering 25% increase in the number of children killed or injured as pedestrians between 2021 and 2022.
Figures leapt from 44 to 55 in the city the following year.
Nottingham
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 90
Figures increased by 20% from 41 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 49 recorded in 2022.
Sandwell
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 87
Figures increased by 12% from 41 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 46 recorded in 2022.
Wakefield
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 83
Figures increased by 13% from 39 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 44 recorded in 2022.
City of Bristol
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 79
Figures increased by 3% from 39 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 40 recorded in 2022.
Sunderland
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 69
Figures decreased by 8% from 36 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 33 recorded in 2022.
Walsall
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 66
Figures increased by 54% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 40 recorded in 2022.
Medway
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 64
Figures increased by 6% from 31 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 33 recorded in 2022.
Doncaster
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 64
Figures increased by 46% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 38 recorded in 2022.
Cornwall
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 62
Figures decreased by 18% from 34 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 28 recorded in 2022.
Manchester
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 62
Figures decreased by 23% from 35 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 27 recorded in 2022.
Coventry
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 62
Figures increased by 38% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 36 recorded in 2022.
Dorset (Excluding Christchurch)
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 27
Figures increased by 45% from 11 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 16 recorded in 2022.
Somerset
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians in Somerset rose by 30%.
Of the four local authority areas in Somerset which include; Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West & Taunton and South Somerset, two reported a rise in child pedestrian casualties while the others reported the same figures over the span of two years.
Sedgemoor recorded the highest figures in the county with 18 casualties logged for 2021 and 2022 whereas the biggest rise in the same period was in Mendip where figures rose from four in 2021 to seven the following year.
Somerset Child Pedestrian Casualties
Derbyshire
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians in Derbyshire rose by an eye-watering 72% in just one year.
A total of 161 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Derbyshire, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 64 casualties which soared to 97 the following year – an eye-watering increase of 72%.
Of the nine local authority areas in the county, four reported an increase in the number of child pedestrian casualties between 2021 and 2022. Two areas reported the same figures for both years and the remaining three showed a slight decrease.
Derby reported the highest number of such casualties in the county as well as the biggest increase. Figures soared by 124% in the area from 17 in 2021 to a staggering 38 children killed or injured as pedestrians
Pedestrian Child Casualties Derbyshire
Coventry
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 62
Figures increased by 38% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 36 recorded in 2022.
Portsmouth
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 42
Figures increased by 47% from 17 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 25 recorded in 2022.
Essex
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians in Essex rose by 13% in just one year, latest figures reveal – with some areas reporting a rise of more than 50 per cent.
A total of 256 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Essex, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 120 casualties which rose to 136 the following year – an increase of 13%.
Of the 14 local authority areas in the county, half of them reported an increase in the number of child pedestrian casualties between 2021 and 2022. One area reported the same figures for both years.
Southend-on-Sea recorded the highest number of such casualties in the county as well as the biggest increase. Figures soared by 53% in the area from 15 in 2021 to a staggering 23 children killed or injured as pedestrians the following year
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in Essex between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Basildon – 22
- Braintree – 21
- Brentwood – 11
- Castlepoint – 15
- Chelmsford – 20
- Colchester – 20
- Epping Forest – 18
- Harlow – 13
- Maldon – 6
- Rochford – 11
- Southend-on-Sea – 38
- Tendring – 25
- Thurrock – 23
- Uttlesford – 3
Pedestrian Child Casualties Essex
Hampshire
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians in Hampshire rose by 17% in just one year, latest figures reveal – with one area reporting a rise of 75 per cent.
A total of 249 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Hampshire, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 115 casualties which rose to 134 the following year – an increase of 17%.
Of the 18 local authority areas in the county, 78% of them reported an increase in the number of child pedestrian casualties between 2021 and 2022. One area reported the same figures for both years.
Southampton recorded the highest number of such casualties, a total of 54 over two years.
But the biggest increase was seen in New Forest where casualties soared by 75%. The district reported 8 child pedestrian deaths and injuries in 2021 which increased to 14 the following year.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in Hampshire between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Basingstoke – 26
- East Hampshire – 6
- Eastleigh – 13
- Fareham – 9
- Gosport – 10
- Hart – 4
- Havant – 19
- Isle of Wight – 18
- New Forest – 22
- Portsmouth – 42
- Rushmoor – 10
- Southampton – 54
- Test Valley – 11
- Winchester – 5
Child Pedestrian Casualties in Hampshire
Kent
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians increased in over half of the local authority areas in Kent, latest figures reveal – with one area reporting a rise of 175%.
A total of 305 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Kent, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 151 casualties which rose to 154 the following year.
Of the 12 local authority areas in the county, 58% of them reported an increase in the number of child pedestrian casualties between 2021 and 2022. One area reported the same figures for both years.
Medway reported the highest number of such casualties, a total of 64 over two years – accounting for 21% of the county’s overall figures.
The biggest increase was seen in Tonbridge and Malling where numbers soared by 175%. A total of 4 child pedestrian fatalities and injuries were recorded in 2021 which rose to 11 the following year.
Maidstone had the second biggest hike over the two years, where figures increased by 42% from 12 in 2021 to 17 in 2022.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in Hampshire between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Ashford – 15
- Canterbury – 21
- Dartford – 25
- Dover – 25
- Gravesham – 27
- Maidstone – 29
- Medway – 64
- Sevenoaks – 10
- Swale – 27
- Thanet – 33
- Tonbridge & Malling – 15
- Tunbridge Wells – 14
Child Pedestrian Casualties Kent#
Norfolk
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians increased in half of the local authority areas in Norfolk, latest figures reveal – with one area reporting a rise of 140%.
A total of 91 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Norfolk, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 42 casualties which rose to 49 the following year – an increase of 17%.
Of the 7 local authority areas in the county, both Breckland and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk reported the highest number of child pedestrian casualties between 2021 and 2022. A total of 18 deaths and injuries were recorded in each area.
But the biggest rise was seen in Norwich where figures rose by an eye-watering 140%. A total of 5 child pedestrian casualties were recorded in 2021 which climbed to 12 the year after.
South Norfolk figures also doubled in the same 12-month period from 4 casualties to 8 in 2022.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in Kent between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Breckland – 18
- Broadland – 7
- Great Yarmouth – 16
- King’s Lynn and West Norfolk – 18
- North Norfolk – 3
- Norwich – 17
- South Norfolk – 12
Child Pedestrian Casualties Norfolk
Suffolk
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrians increased in half of the local authority areas in Suffolk, latest figures reveal – with one area reporting a 100% rise.
A total of 62 child pedestrian casualties were recorded across Suffolk, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, the county recorded 29 casualties which rose to 33 the following year – an increase of 14%.
Of the 5 local authority areas analysed in Suffolk, Ipswich reported the most child pedestrian deaths and injuries with a total of 28 over the two year period.
But the biggest rise was seen in East Suffolk, where figures doubled in just 12 months. Six child pedestrian casualties were logged in 2021 which hiked to 12 the following year.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in Suffolk between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Barbergh – 3
- East Suffolk – 18
- Ipswich – 28
- Mid Suffolk – 4
- West Suffolk – 9
Pedestrian Child Casualties Suffolk
North East Mayoral Combined Authority
Sunderland has been revealed as the most dangerous place for children killed or injured as pedestrians in the North East.
The city accounted for 26% of the number of child pedestrian casualties in the North East.
What’s more, Gateshead reported a staggering 33% rise in figures in just 12 months.
A staggering 264 child pedestrian deaths and injuries were recorded in Northumberland (now known as the North East Mayoral Combined Authority – as of 2024).
The latest figures from the Department for Transport show that in 2021, there were 126 child pedestrian casualties which rose by 10% to 138 the following year.
Of the six local authority areas that make up the North East CA, Sunderland reported the most fatalities and injuries with a total of 69 over the two-year period, accounting for 26% of the North East figures.
But the biggest rise was seen in Gateshead, where figures hiked by 33% in just 12 months. 15 child pedestrian casualties were logged in 2021, climbing to 20 in 2022.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in the North East Combined Authority between 2021/22 are as follows:
- County Durham – 52
- Gateshead – 35
- Newcastle-Upon-Tyne – 53
- North Tyneside – 30
- South Tyneside – 25
- Sunderland – 69
Child Pedestrian Casualties North East
Worcestershire
The number of children who have been killed or injured as pedestrian in every areas in Worcestershire has been revealed with two districts reporting double figures within a 12-month period.
A total of 54 child pedestrian deaths and injuries were recorded in Worcestershire, the latest figures from the Department for Transport show. In 2021, there were 25 child casualties which rose by 16% to 29 the following year.
Of the six local authority areas that make up Worcestershire, the majority reported a rise in figures between 2021 and 2022. Worcester had the most child fatalities and injuries, reporting 13 in total over the two-year period.
But the biggest rises were seen in both Redditch and Wyre Forest where figures doubled in just 12 months.
The total number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries in the North East Combined Authority between 2021/22 are as follows:
- Bromsgrove – 7
- Malvern Hills – 8
- Redditch – 9
- Worcester – 13
- Wychavon – 5
- Wyre Forest – 12
Child Pedestrian Casualties in Worcestershire
London Boroughs
Pedestrian Child Casualties London Boroughs
Croydon has been revealed as the most dangerous London Borough for child pedestrian deaths and injuries.
The number of children killed or injured as pedestrians across London rose by 16% in just 12 months, with Croydon reporting the highest number of casualties.
Out of the 32 London Boroughs, Kingston upon Thames reported the biggest increase during this period. Figures soared from seven reported child casualties in 2021 to 15 the following year – that’s an eye-watering increase of 114%.
Richmond upon Thames was found to be the safest borough in the capital, recording a total of 19 casualties over two years.
The biggest decrease in child pedestrian deaths and injuries was in Waltham, where figures plummeted from 33 in 2021 to 21 the following year.
The biggest increase in figures out of every local authority area in England was in the London Borough of Hillingdon where a staggering 45% rise in casualties was reported.
Numbers soared from 29 recorded incidents in 2021 to 42 the following year.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed that figures are not currently available for the years 2023 and 2024.
Croydon
Croydon recorded the highest number of child pedestrian deaths and injuries out of any other London Borough.
Of the 32 Boroughs in the capital, it recorded 91 casualties in 2021 and 2022.
2021: 46 casualties
2022: 45 casualties
Newham
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 81
Figures increased by 3% from 40 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 41 recorded in 2022.
Hillingdon
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 71
Figures increased by 20% from 29 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 42 recorded in 2022.
Ealing
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 69
Figures increased by 23% from 31 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 38 recorded in 2022.
Greenwich
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 68
Figures increased by 34% from 29 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 39 recorded in 2022.
Brent
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 67
Figures decreased by 9% from 35 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 32 recorded in 2022.
Enfield
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 66
Figures increased by 20% from 32 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 34 recorded in 2022.
Lambeth
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 62
Figures increased by 21% from 28 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 34 recorded in 2022.
Barking and Dagenham
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 61
Figures increased by 26% from 27 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 34 recorded in 2022.
Barnet
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 61
Figures increased by 105% from 20 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 41 recorded in 2022.
Bromley
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 57
Figures increased by 4% from 28 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 29 recorded in 2022.
Redbridge
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 57
Figures decreased by 3% from 29 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 28 recorded in 2022.
Hackney
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 54
Figures increased by 35% from 23 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 31 recorded in 2022.
Waltham Forest
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 54
Figures decreased by 36% from 33 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 21 recorded in 2022.
Hounslow
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 53
Figures increased by 30% from 23 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 30 recorded in 2022.
Southwark
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 52
Figures increased by 20% from 28 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 24 recorded in 2022.
Harrow
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 66
Figures decreased by 14% from 32 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 34 recorded in 2022.
Lewisham
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 50
Figures increased by 20% from 32 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 34 recorded in 2022.
Haringey
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 66
Figures decreased by 8% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 24 recorded in 2022.
Havering
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 49
Figures decreased by 19% from 27 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 22 recorded in 2022.
Wandsworth
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 46
Figures decreased by 23% from 26 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 20 recorded in 2022.
Westminster
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 43
Figures increased by 69% from 16 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 27 recorded in 2022.
Bexley
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 42
Figures increased by 33% from 18 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 24 recorded in 2022.
Tower Hamlets
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 42
Figures increased by 47% from 17 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 25 recorded in 2022.
Sutton
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 37
Figures increased by 108% from 12 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 25 recorded in 2022.
Camden
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 28
Figures decreased by 25% from 16 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 12 recorded in 2022.
Islington
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 27
Figures decreased by 7% from 14 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 13 recorded in 2022.
Merton
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 26
Figures increased by 36% from 11 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 15 recorded in 2022.
Kensington and Chelsea
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 23
Figures increased by 88% from 8 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 15 recorded in 2022.
Kingston upon Thames
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 22
Figures increased by 114% from 7 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 15 recorded in 2022.
Hammersmith and Fulham
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 21
Figures increased by 33% from 9 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 12 recorded in 2022.
Richmond upon Thames
Total number of child pedestrian casualties in 2021 and 2022: 19
Figures increased by 11% from 9 deaths and injuries in 2021 to 10 recorded in 2022.
Get Legal Support After A Child Pedestrian Accident
If your child has suffered an injury or in tragic cases has lost their life in a pedestrian accident, you may want legal support. If so, we can help.
Here at Personal Injury Claims UK, we work with solicitors who specialise in these types of road traffic accidents. They’re passionate about helping you achieve justice for what happened and to give you the legal help you need.
You can get in touch with us on 02080502736 for free advice, speak with us via our live chat, or write to us here. You can also head here to learn more about child pedestrian accident compensation claims.