Sunday the 19th of November was the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and the London service returned in person this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The service, held in St James’s Church, Piccadilly, was held to honour and remember the countless millions of lives lost on roads globally, as well as to recognise the crucial, life saving work of emergency services.
The service featured moving and uplifting music sung by the Metropolitan Police Choir, as well as beautiful Cello pieces played by RoadPeace member Lara Moore. The Act of Remembrance, where the names of crash victims are read out, was led by Inspector Alexis Manley, Vision Zero lead for the Metropolitan Police, Dan Quin, the Chief Fire Officer for Surrey and Road Safety lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council, and Cleo Kenington, a consultant surgeon at a major London trauma centre. Cleo and Alexis also delivered addresses, as well as Sarah Hope MBE and Tesse Akpeki, RoadPeace members who shared their experience of bereavement and memories of their loved ones. Will Norman, the Walking and Cycling Commisioner, also spoke and reflected on this important day. All of the speeches, as well as the order of service, are available at the bottom of the page.
We are glad to have the in person event back, to provide a peaceful and loving space for bereaved victims to remember the life and grieve the death of their loved ones. In a society that all too readily moves on and ignores road death, a chance to reflect and remember is crucial.
Please find below content from the service:
Updated on: 28 November 2023