London Mayor Sadiq Khan has officially launched a new, permanent support service for people affected by road traffic collisions across the capital. This major initiative comes amid ongoing concerns over travel safety and aims to provide comprehensive aid to victims and their families.
A Long-Term Commitment to Victim Care
The new Road Victim Support Service has been secured through a three-year contract, a significant commitment from Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This decision follows a highly successful pilot scheme, which saw more than 330 people referred for specialist help. An independent evaluation report confirmed the pilot's positive impact, paving the way for this long-term solution.
The service will be delivered by the road safety charity Brake, which specialises in providing trauma-informed care. The announcement was strategically made ahead of Road Safety Week 2025, reinforcing the city's dedication to compassionate, evidence-led care after a collision occurs.
Aligning with London's Vision Zero Goal
This service is a core component of the Mayor and TfL's Vision Zero commitment, a strategy with the ultimate goal of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network. The support service directly addresses the lasting impact of road danger, ensuring that those affected are not forgotten.
Claire Waxman OBE, London's Victims' Commissioner, emphasised the profound need for such a service, stating: "Losing a loved one in a road traffic collision is a life-changing experience... It's vital that families receive timely, specialist support to help them navigate the trauma and complex aftermath." She added that TfL's new service is a crucial step forward in ensuring victims are helped throughout the grieving process.
Specialist, Tailored Support for Every Victim
The service is designed to offer holistic support tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual. Kaya Comer Schwartz, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime, highlighted the harrowing nature of a collision's aftermath. "It's important that everyone who is affected is provided with the professional help they need - when they need it most," she said. The service will provide a combination of practical, emotional, and legal support.
This long-term commitment strengthens the collaborative work between TfL, the police, and London boroughs. Lilli Matson, TfL's Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, reinforced this, saying: "At TfL, we are deeply committed to ensuring that those affected receive the compassionate, timely and professional support they need and deserve."
Emma Strain, TfL's Customer Director, noted that the service has already proven its value, reaching those in need effectively. Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, confirmed the charity's dedication, stating: "Victim support is a key pillar of the safe systems approach to road safety and for as long as we are able, we will be there to help families in need."
