Croydon has been named as the “most dangerous” London borough for children killed or injured as pedestrians – according to new research.

An investigation conducted by Personal Injury Claims UK analysed 304 local authority districts across England, including the 32 London boroughs, and found that Croydon had the highest number of recorded casualties for child pedestrians in London.

In London the total number of children killed or injured as pedestrians rose by 16 percent in 12 months, with Croydon reporting the highest number of them.

Your Local Guardian: In London, Croydon reported the highest number of children killed or injured as pedestrians.In London, Croydon reported the highest number of children killed or injured as pedestrians. (Image: Legalexpert.co.uk)

The results have been described as “extremely concerning” by road traffic specialists, as Croydon reported a total of 91 child casualties between 2021 and 2022.

Figures obtained in Freedom of Information requests showed that a staggering 33,212 child deaths and casualties were recorded over the two-year period in England - averaging 49 children killed or injured each day.

Kingston upon Thames, another south London borough, reported the highest increase between 2021 and 2022, from seven reported child casualties in 2021 to 15 in 2022, rising by 114 percent.

Richmond upon Thames was ranked to be the “safest borough in London“, recording a total of 19 casualties over two years.

Out of 304 local authority district areas in England, the majority – 57 percent – recorded an increase in child fatalities and injuries caused by road vehicles.

Your Local Guardian: Out of 304 local authority district areas in England, the majority – 57 percent – recorded an increase in child fatalities and injuries caused by road vehicles.Out of 304 local authority district areas in England, the majority – 57 percent – recorded an increase in child fatalities and injuries caused by road vehicles. (Image: Legalexpert.co.uk)

Mike Higgins, road traffic accident specialist at PICUK, 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 to ensure that pedestrians, particularly children, are safe.