The number of people killed on Tower Hamlets’ roads increased by 13 per cent between 2010 and 2011, according to figures released by the London Assembly.

91 people were killed on the borough’s roads in 2010, with the figure for 2011 increasing to 103. The figures reflect trends across London, with particularly large increases being recorded in the number of deaths of cyclists.

However, councillor Shahed Ali, Tower Hamlets lead member for the environment, defended the council’s record of maintaining road safety.

He said: “We are not complacent and the slight increase in 2010/11 of more serious accidents, although small, is being closely monitored. We are always working to ensure the borough is safe to travel around and are currently reviewing our Road Safety Plan.

“Along with TfL, we are working with the Police, NHS, and neighbouring boroughs to discuss further steps to reduce these figures including road safety education, training and enforcement.”

Green Party Assembly Member Jenny Jones believes responsibility for these figures lies with Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

She said: “We have more dangerous roads and a Mayor who has spent three years promising a road safety action plan which has not been delivered. Boris needs to end the complacency, increase the road safety budget and produce a plan that works for vulnerable road users, not just motorists.”