Avon and Somerset ranks third for UK crash hotspots since 2022
By Laura Linham 9th Jan 2026
By Laura Linham 9th Jan 2026
Avon and Somerset recorded 20,075 road collisions between January 2022 and October 2025, placing it third among UK police force areas for total crashes over the period, new analysis shows. Only West Midlands Police and Gwent Police logged more incidents, according to research by Marshall Motor Group based on Freedom of Information data.
Across the UK, 218,817 collisions were recorded between 2022 and October 2025, with major routes like the M4 and M6 among the most collision-prone. The M4 alone saw 1,496 crashes — the highest of any road — followed by the M6 with 896 incidents.
Top police force areas by collisions (Jan 2022–Oct 2025):
- West Midlands – 29,806
- Gwent – 22,382
- Avon and Somerset – 20,075
- West Yorkshire – 17,574
- Sussex – 12,893
Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, said the figures show persistent road safety challenges nationwide and stressed the importance of understanding where and why collisions occur to improve safety.
While there was a slight dip in collision numbers from 2022 to 2023, figures have remained broadly steady, with 57,998 crashes in 2024 and 43,524 recorded by October 2025. Welham noted the consistency suggests systemic issues on UK roads rather than isolated spikes.
Welham advised drivers to stay alert on high-speed routes and busy transport corridors and to plan breaks and maintain safe distances, particularly on motorways and A-roads that see heavy traffic.
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