Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a supplier to provide a long-term support service for victims of road traffic collisions in London, following its pilot scheme, which is due to conclude on October 31, 2025.
The pilot project, launched in 2023 in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the Metropolitan Police (Met), and the City of London Police (CoLP), aims to provide enhanced support for victims of serious road traffic collisions, including fatalities and life-changing injuries.
TfL’s interim evaluation report highlights the positive impact of the pilot scheme, demonstrating the benefits of direct referral from the police and early intervention by specialists trained in the specific emotional, legal, and practical implications of road collisions. Service users have reported high-quality personal support and a smooth referral and triage process.
Post-collision response is integral to TfL’s Vision Zero commitment to reduce road danger and its impact in London. TfL continues to work on major programs with its partners to make London’s roads and vehicles safer, including the Direct Vision Standard, Safer Junctions program, and Bus Safety Standard.
“Being involved in a serious collision, or experiencing grief following one can be an incredibly tough experience. This scheme has proved successful in identifying and offering the appropriate support to those who need it,” says Chief Superintendent Tom Naughton of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command.
The successful bidder will work with the Met and CoLP to implement a direct consent-based referral mechanism from the police into the service, ensuring early intervention and connection with support services. The contract length is 3.5 years, with a two-year extension option.
The pilot scheme has facilitated direct referrals from the police, providing timely and face-to-face support to over 200 people. “We are committed to ensuring they are able to get the support they need and deserve,” says Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety, health and environment officer. “That’s why we’re proud that our roads Victim Support Service, which provides timely, face-to-face support for people who have been victims of the most serious road traffic collisions in London, is being taken forward long-term.”
The new service complements the Sarah Hope Line, which has been a crucial source of support for those affected by incidents involving the TfL public transport network. Since 2016, the Sarah Hope Line’s dedicated team has provided comprehensive help and support to hundreds of individuals, working in partnership with expert organizations.
TfL remains dedicated to eliminating all death and serious injury from the transport network, working alongside the police and local boroughs as part of the collective Vision Zero goal.
