However, the data also shows a slight narrowing in the gap between London and the regions.
Since April 2010, contractors must notify the HSE whenever they erect a top-slewing tower crane.
In the first six months of the scheme 908 notifications were made, although it is not known how many of these cranes were already up in the air in April 2010.
In the second six months of the scheme, from October 2010 to March 2011, 575 tower cranes were erected across England, Scotland and Wales. Of these, 371 cranes (64%) were erected in London and 204 (36%) in the rest of Great Britain.
In the six month between April and September 2011, the total number of cranes erected had declined to 523, with 300 (57%) in London and 223 (43%) in the regions.
The figures were obtained by commercial law firm McGrigors under the Freedom of Information Act.
"What the figures suggest is that London has seen a slight slowdown in activity, while projects in the rest of the UK have picked up slightly. However, activity in the regions is failing to make up the shortfall," said Colin Fraser, a partner in the firm’s infrastructure practice.
In Scotland, tower crane notifications increased by nearly a third last year, while in Manchester the number of cranes being erected almost doubled.
Mr Fraser added: "Regions outside of London are starting from a much lower base in terms of the projects getting underway. Projects in London have accounted for more than 50% of crane towers since the reporting regime was introduced. The apparent slowdown of spades in the ground in the city will raise a few eyebrows. It is writ large that a healthy pipeline of projects in London plays a major part in the sector as a whole."
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
