SIXTY-SIX CYCLISTS were injured in hit-and-run motor incidents in Hackney last year 2015. Greater London Assembly (AM) member Sian Berry has obtained figures that also showed 48 pedestrians were casualties in incidents when the offender fled the scene.
Berry’s analysis suggests that the number of hit-and-runs in Hackney has risen by 77% over the last five years, compared with 40% throughout London.
Her party, the Greens, commented: “This huge increase in hit-and-run accidents in the borough indicates not enough is being done to ensure our streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists.”
A Green press officer was, however, unable to offer any explanation of why the hit-and-run rate in Hackney was double the rate in other parts of the capital. The official denied that the discrepancy raised doubts about the usefulness of the analysis.
Hackney Greens campaigner Alastair Binnie-Lubbock was “shocked and frightened” by the statistics that Berry had “uncovered”.
He said: “We call on Hackney council to deliver reporting into the rate of conviction for hit-and-run drivers, as well as an urgent prioritisation of pedestrian and cycling-safety measures. especially in all new road designs.”
Berry said: “I am very disappointed that the Metropolitan Police Service is still unable to provide data on the rate of prosecution of hit-and-run drivers.”
People should know the potential consequence of running away.
Heather Hampson, of Hackney Green Party, commented to Loving Dalston: “It’s disappointing that the police and council are not doing more to protect cyclists and pedestrians in the borough.
“Hackney Greens call on both to further investigate this issue and to begin reporting on the rate of conviction for hit-and-run drivers.”
Hamish Scott 021216
* Backstory: Hackney cycling horrors; Death at Dalston Junction
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