Research has named Blackburn as the third ‘most dangerous area for pedestrians’ in the UK.
The study by Ovoko, which analysed Department for Transport data, found 915 pedestrian casualties occurred in Blackburn with Darwen between 2013 and 2022.
Against the borough’s population of around 152,000 this equated to 60 casualties per 100,000 people.
The worst year was 2016, with 122 injuries to pedestrians from collisions.
Blackpool topped the list with 63.8 casualties per 100,000 residents, followed by Liverpool with a ratio of 60.8.
A spokesperson from Ovoko said: “Dangerous pedestrian areas in the UK are a growing concern, as more people rely on walking in busy towns and cities.
“In some areas, crossing the street can feel like a gamble, with fast-moving traffic, unclear signage, and limited crossings creating a hazardous environment for walkers.”
The study also found pedestrian casualties have increased across the UK, rising from 14,244 in 2020 to 18,667 in 2022, an increase of 31 per cent.
The spokesperson added: “Narrow pavements and poorly lit areas only add to the risk, making it difficult for people to navigate safely, especially during rush hour or in bad weather.”
“The research shows that since 2020, there has been an increase in pedestrian casualties in most areas, and further action needs to be taken to protect them.
“In the top 10 most dangerous areas, Blackburn is the only place that has seen a drop in casualties from 69 in 2020 to 60 in 2022.”