Pedestrian deaths in West Midlands nearly double in four years, new data shows

Pedestrian deaths on roads across the West Midlands have nearly doubled in the past four years, according to new figures due to be presented to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

A report for the transport delivery overview and scrutiny committee shows that while the overall number of people killed or seriously injured (KSIs) on the region’s roads has fallen slightly, the proportion of fatalities involving pedestrians has risen sharply.

In 2025, 50 people were killed on West Midlands roads – one more than in 2024, but fewer than the 57 recorded in 2023 and 62 in 2022. Of those 50 deaths, 24 were pedestrians, up from 21 the previous year. This means pedestrians accounted for 48% of all road deaths in 2025, compared with 43% in 2024 and 28.5% in 2022.

The overall number of KSIs stood at 1,078 in 2025, down from 1,157 in 2024. However, the data highlights significant local variation. Birmingham recorded 500 KSIs – almost half the regional total – although this was down from 556 the year before.

Elsewhere, Dudley’s KSIs fell from 121 to 85 and Sandwell’s from 156 to 124. Coventry saw an increase from 82 to 105, Solihull rose slightly from 68 to 70, Walsall increased from 72 to 80, and Wolverhampton from 79 to 83. KSIs on motorways also rose, from 23 in 2024 to 28 in 2025.

The remaining fatalities in 2025 included 13 drivers, three passengers, eight motorcyclists and two cyclists.

The report describes the rise in pedestrian fatalities as “concerning” and confirms that transport leaders plan to commission further research to examine the causes and identify prevention measures. Areas under review include the availability and location of safe crossing facilities and whether pedestrian desire lines align with existing infrastructure.