COLLISION RISK AROUND AIRPORTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES IS TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE 

 Heathrow Airport ranks number 1 in road collision hot spots

Our latest analysis of government road collision data shows that the roads around major airports in England and Wales are twice as risky compared to the national average.

The data shows that every year there are approximately 1.7 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 people; however, those living in proximity to a major airport are twice as likely to find themselves involved in such a collision.

England’s busiest airport, Heathrow, is even riskier – with 4.2 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 people every year meaning that those living near this airport have 2.4 times the national risk.

Airport	Annual Collisions per 1,000 People	Relative Collision Risk
London Heathrow	4.2	1
London Gatwick	2.5	1.5
Manchester	2.0	1.2
London Stansted	3.8	2.2
London Luton	3.1	1.8
Birmingham	3.5	2.1
Bristol	3.0	1.7

Sarah Vaughan, Director of Angelica Solutions says “The data highlights a crucial road safety issue associated with airport proximity. Motorists heading to these airports face an elevated risk of a collision, which goes beyond the usual challenges of driving. It’s imperative that both drivers and those responsible for vehicle traffic in the areas prioritise safety to prevent incidents and protect road users.”

Even those not driving to the airport should be alert to these risks – when setting foot outside the airport watch out for potentially tired and hurried drivers, or those in unfamiliar hire cars or driving on an unfamiliar side of the road.

“People choosing to drive to the airport are facing increased risks on the road compared to the typical journey. Aside from the trauma, stress, and inconvenience of being involved in a road collision, if you are found to be the ‘at-fault’ driver it’s likely to cost you around £540 in excess payments and increased premium at your next renewal*.

“The crucial issue of road safety for everyone on the roads stands as an essential initiative. To accelerate the reduction in road casualties, it’s vital to engage all organisations that can impact road risk and equip them with the necessary tools and resources to contribute effectively. This can include straightforward actions, such as increasing awareness among hire car companies, taxi services, and other airport transport providers, enabling them to enhance customer safety.”

James Gibson, executive director, Road Safety GB, said: “The analysis from Angelica Solutions focuses a spotlight on the increased safety risk around major airports. The data clearly indicates that airport proximity significantly increases collision risks, posing threats not only to drivers but pedestrians and cyclists as well. There is work to be done to improve the current situation and this is going to need a collective effort with highway authorities, transport operators and stakeholders working to implement practical solutions that reduce these risks and protect all road users.”

Methodology 

• Collision frequency is annual number of collisions recorded within a given area per resident of that area. The area used is a Lower-level Super Output Area (LSOA).
• A Lower-level Super Output Area (LSOA) is a geographical area used for census statistics. These usually contain between 400 and 1,200 households and have populations between 1,000 and 3,000.
• A “major airport” was defined as a top 10 UK airport, by total annual passengers.
• Proximity to an airport is defined as the population centre of an LSOA lying within a certain radius of the airport. This radius varies (from 1.5 to 3km) to account for differences in airport size, layout and location – ensuring that all relevant LSOAs are included.

Data

• Collision data from Department for Transport (DfT) Stats19 collision data – for years 2018 to 2023.
• Lower-level Super Output Area (LSOA) population data was taken from the 2021 England & Wales census.
• Airport passenger number data was taken from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) UK airport data for 2023.

*Methodology of £540 cost for incident 

A resulting collision could cost motorists a total of £537.

This considers costs when making a claim and increases to the cost of insurance, due to making a claim.

Based on average premium of £622[1] and an average increase at renewal of 30%[2], following a claim. Assumes a £250[3] voluntary excess and £100 compulsory excess, payable upon making the claim.

1 Based on Association of British Insurers (ABI) Motor Insurance Premium Tracker. Figure for 2024 Q2.
2 Based on analysis by Compare the Market.
3 Based on analysis by Confused.com. Most common voluntary excess chosen by customers.

Regional Analysis

Birmingham

Bristol

London

Manchester