Walking and cycling charity Sustrans Scotland has conducted analysis that highlights the safety disparity

Children in Scotland’s poorest areas nearly three times more likely to be injured by road traffic than those in the richest.

Walking and cycling charity Sustrans Scotland has conducted analysis that highlights the safety disparity.

It shows that children on foot or bike are more than three times as likely to be involved in a traffic accident in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland than the 20% least deprived areas.

Though it is well-established that there are more road traffic accidents in more deprived areas, this data looks at children travelling on foot or by bike only and maps clusters of accidents.

Sustrans Scotland national director John Lauder said: “This analysis shines a light on a double injustice being done to Scotland’s poorest communities.

“Firstly – communities are locked out of opportunities through transport poverty. Secondly, children in those communities are at three times higher risk of death or injury while out walking or cycling – simply due to their postcode.

“We are calling on local authorities and government to implement more widespread high-quality infrastructure and slower speed streets to make children and young people safer, especially in Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas”.

Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, added: “These figures from Sustrans are very concerning. We know that living on a low income can damage young lives in a variety of ways, impacting on health, education and future employment prospects.

“But there is a pressing need to better understand the precise reasons why children living in some parts of Scotland are more likely to be the victims of road traffic accidents. Whatever the reasons, we need to ensure that resources are made available to improve safety standards in communities across Scotland.”