Cities are finding it difficult to prevent road collisions because they lack evidence about near misses, driver behaviour and dangerous interactions, according to a report by Silicon Highway Solutions. Although most participating cities had historical collision data, few had continuous sensor information to help identify risks before crashes occur.
The report, Emerging Themes for Vision Zero Cities, draws on 15 submissions from transport leaders who attended the Transport Innovation Alliance forum in London from 30 September to 1 October 2026. Eleven submissions said cities held collision data, but only one reported having continuous sensor data.
Junctions and crossings were the most frequently raised concern, appearing in seven submissions. Pedestrians were considered at risk in all seven cases, while cyclists were identified in five. Delegates said they needed more information about driver behaviour, red-light running and the frequency and circumstances of near misses.
School travel was another evidence gap. Three submissions described conflicts during drop-off and pick-up periods, but none of those cities had collision data, despite reporting regular interactions involving children, vehicles and deliveries.
The report also points to limits in relying on conventional interventions such as traffic calming, speed cameras and policing. Eight submissions described problems concentrated around rush hours or school journeys, while two raised speeding on empty roads at night. Delegates also noted that safety measures can involve trade-offs with traffic capacity and public acceptance.
Safe Streets was identified as a priority in 11 submissions, compared with four for Safe Vehicles and one for post-crash response. The report says responses may require coordination beyond highway authorities, including with schools, police and fleet operators. Silicon Highway Solutions proposes that cities define problems, gather evidence, assess trade-offs and agree measurable outcomes before deciding on changes.
Sources: Cities Today.