New powerful pop-up exhibit brings attention to pedestrians killed on Greater Manchester roads

A powerful new pop-up exhibit following the final steps of pedestrians killed on Greater Manchester streets has opened. The exhibit is a reminder of the 25 pedestrians killed on the region's streets in 2022. 

On each of the 25 white plinths is the age and gender of the people who were killed. On top of each is a pair of shoes which symbolises the life that has been lost. 

The exhibit is part of the Last Steps campaign which is organised by Safer Roads Partnership. Transport for Greater Manchester is involved in tis partnership as well as local emergency services. 

The family of 18-year-old Marcus Simmons-Allen is supporting the campaign. Marcus died in hospital in October 2021 after being hit by a car travelling twice the speed limit in Altrincham. 

Marcus’ mother Paula Allen was at the exhibit earlier this week. She hopes people who have seen the display will take a moment to share what they learn with friends and family. 

Paula said: “It was incredibly poignant to visit the exhibit which really helps to bring the Last Steps campaign to life and highlights the heartbreaking human cost of fatal road collisions.

“Behind each pair of shoes is a person who, like my son Marcus, had hopes and dreams. Their deaths will have devastated their families, but the ripple effect of fatal road collisions extends beyond immediate family to friends and the wider community.

“I hope everyone who has seen this exhibit, particularly drivers, will stop, reflect and share what they have learned with their friends and family.

“I would never want another family to go through what we have, and I would urge all drivers to take extra care on darker nights and always keep a lookout for pedestrians crossing the road.

Chief Inspector Ronnie Neilson of Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Unit added: “Careless or dangerous driving can have devastating consequences, as Marcus Simmons-Allen’s story has shown, and the risk to pedestrians is even higher on darker nights.

“I would urge drivers to always look carefully for pedestrians and of course always watch your speed.

“We are backing the Last Steps campaign as part of our commitment to ridding the road of careless drivers and we hope it reminds all drivers to stay extra alert on dark evenings.”