Sheffield City Council has vowed to make the city more pedestrian friendly, after statistics found that around 357 people were killed or seriously injured each year. 

The S5 postcode area, which covers areas including Fir Vale and Shiregreen, was found to be the most dangerous for children between 2018 and 2022, when taking into account children killed or seriously injured in road accidents. 

The council is aiming to cut the amount of deaths and serious injuries on the city’s roads by 50% by 2030.

City Ward Councillor Ruth Mersereau said: “Someone is killed or seriously injured almost every single day on Sheffield’s roads. 

“Think about that statistic for a moment and its appalling effect on loved ones and others.”

Figures from the council’s road safety action plan show that 84 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in the city in 2022, up 25% from the year before. 

The council recently committed to developing a walking, wheeling and cycling investment plan by April 2025. 

Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo said: “I want to see safer streets so our children can walk to school.

“We all want to be able to get around our city and neighbourhood safely and easily.”

The council has also committed making school runs safer with road safety changes, including the introduction of ‘school streets’ around the city.

‘School streets’ involve closing a road, or limiting traffic flow, at key school pick-up and drop-off times such as in the morning and evening. 

Moving an amendment to the motion, Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “I’m especially proud of the 16 school streets that we have launched in this city, including a new one at Watercliffe Meadows Community Primary School in Shirecliffe, and Mundella Primary School in Norton Lees.”

Cllr Gilligan Kubo also said: “Parents should be able to enjoy a short walk to their local school with their children and safe streets that are not congested with polluting vehicles and dirty air.”

“I want to see well maintained footways that are not obstructed by hoardings or parked cars. This will improve the health of our younger generation and encourage healthy habits for the future.”