Latest news with #LilliMatson
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
20mph limits in London 'reduce road casualties by a third' says TfL
Research by Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that 20mph speed limits have significantly reduced road casualties in the capital. The study, which examined more than 150 speed limit schemes implemented between 1989 and 2013, found a 34 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on borough roads. This research is part of TfL's efforts to achieve the Mayor's Vision Zero goal, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network. The analysis also showed a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed, a 75 per cent reduction in the number of children killed, and a 35 per cent reduction in collisions on borough roads. TfL's chief safety health and environment officer, Lilli Matson, said: "It is brilliant to see the long-term analysis in this report. "It contains hugely important findings which show the difference that 20mph speed limits have made to road safety in London, and we are able to fully understand the impact of road safety measures across the city over a longer time span. "Lower speed limits save lives. "We're committed to eliminating unsafe speeds across London, and the analysis in this report reinforces our approach. "No death or serious injury on London's streets is acceptable or inevitable, and we are determined that London continues to be at the forefront of making real and lasting change." The report acknowledges other road safety improvement measures implemented between 1989 and 2013, but provides compelling evidence that 20mph schemes reduce the number of casualties regardless of all other road improvements. TfL's research also suggests that lower speed limits have not increased congestion. Walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said: "This compelling new analysis shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives. "Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. "Slower speeds not only protect the most vulnerable, they also help create safer, more welcoming streets, and are a vital part of building a safer London for everyone. "The Mayor and I are proud that London is leading the way with bold, evidence-led action to reduce danger on our roads, and we will continue working to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of our Vision Zero goal." Since 2018, TfL has introduced more than 264km of 20mph speed limits, and over half of London's roads now have 20mph speed limits. TfL is committed to lowering speed limits across London, with plans to continue to roll out 20mph on its road network next year. Jeremy Leach from 20's Plenty for Us said: "Over the past 30 years, London's boroughs have pioneered the widespread use of 20mph speed limits, making streets feel safer and be safer for residents and visitors alike. "This latest research from TfL backs up other studies that show streets are safer with 20mph speed limits and more people able to walk, wheel and cycle and to be active. "We hope that the small number of London's boroughs that have yet to make widespread use of lower speed limits will not miss this chance to bring in 20mph limits on many of their streets and roads." Newham councillor Sarah Ruiz, cabinet member for environment, sustainable transport, children's services and education, said: "Reducing the speed of traffic on our roads is essential for making the borough safer for all our residents and encourages our residents to take up the many advantages of switching from cars to sustainable transport, like cycling or walking. "The statistics are clear, the 20 mile an hour limits are saving lives and serious injury and make it safer and more attractive to get about the borough."
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
TfL to issue ban on e-bikes after concerns over igniting batteries
Most e-bikes will be banned across the London Underground and other Transport for London services, after growing safety concerns over igniting batteries. Only folding e-bikes, which are less likely to have been modified and are deemed less of a safety risk, will be permitted on the London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line and DLR trains from 31 March. Transport for London (TfL) said the ban was to ensure the safety of customers and staff, in the wake of union threats to strike after a series of fires. Last month, an e-bike exploded into flames on a London Underground platform at Rayners Lane, an incident the train drivers' union Aslef said could have caused mass casualties. TfL said it had been working closely with the London fire brigade on a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes. While it said most were safe, there had been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes had caught fire on its network. Bicycles converted to e-bikes using conversion kits are regarded by TfL as a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes, but it said that as it was difficult to differentiate between models a general ban was necessary until improved safety measures were in place. All non-folding bikes are already banned on buses or trams. E-scooters are also banned across TfL due to the fire risk. An exception to the e-bike ban will be made for the new Silvertown tunnel cycle shuttle service, the Woolwich Ferry and other river boats. TfL said it recognised the important role of e-bikes and micromobility for London and would keep the rules under review. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern. 'This is why, following a comprehensive review of the safety of e-bikes, TfL is banning all non-folding e-bikes on tube and rail services.' Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer, said the ban would 'play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety'. Aslef, which had called for action, said they would prefer a full ban, but that foldable bikes were safer and less obstructive in emergencies. Finn Brennan, Aslef's organiser on the underground, said: 'We welcome this announcement as a step in the right direction.' There has been no update yet on the recent removal of book exchanges on London Underground as a perceived fire risk – a move that Khan said was 'ridiculous' and pledged to overturn.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Some e-bikes to be banned on most TfL services
Non-folding e-bikes will be banned from 31 March on most of the Transport for London (TfL) network, it has announced. The operator said customers travelling with these kinds of e-bikes - including ones converted to e-bikes using kits - will not be permitted to travel on most services such as the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR. It comes after the Aslef union said earlier this month it was considering balloting members for strike action over e-bikes being allowed on the London Underground. TfL said it had made the decision to "ensure the safety of customers and staff" and added it had carried out a review of safety of e-bikes on the network. TfL drew on its own analysis which it said suggested bikes adapted using electronic conversion kits posed a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes, although it pointed it could be hard to differentiate between modified and unmodified e-bikes. It said it was instigating the ban "until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers". It comes after a small number of e-bike fires on the transport network, including one which exploded and caught fire on a Tube station platform in north-west London in February. Last April an e-bike also exploded and burst into flames on a platform at Sutton railway station. The operator said it "will keep these changes under review, pending any future changes to legislation by the government regarding e-bike safety standards". Existing rules around non-folding bikes and e-bikes will remain in place, including rules stipulating that no e-bikes are permitted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and that no non-folding bikes are allowed on buses or trams. TfL stressed non-foldable e-bikes would continue to be permitted on the Silvertown Cycle Shuttle Service, Woolwich Ferry, river services depending on the operator and coach services depending on the operator. Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer, said: "We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network. "This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety." Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern. "I have asked TfL to continue to work with government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Passengers at risk with e-bikes on Tube - union E-bike on fire causes disruption to Tube services Watch: E-bike explodes at a London railway station Transport for London London Fire Brigade
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Some e-bikes to be banned on most TfL services
Non-folding e-bikes will be banned from 31 March on most of the Transport for London (TfL) network, it has operator said customers travelling with these kinds of e-bikes - including ones converted to e-bikes using kits - will not be permitted to travel on most services such as the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR. It comes after the Aslef union said earlier this month it was considering balloting members for strike action over e-bikes being allowed on the London said it had made the decision to "ensure the safety of customers and staff" and added it had carried out a review of safety of e-bikes on the network. TfL drew on its own analysis which it said suggested bikes adapted using electronic conversion kits posed a greater fire risk than purpose-built e-bikes, although it pointed it could be hard to differentiate between modified and unmodified said it was instigating the ban "until improved product safety measures are in place for converted cycles, batteries and chargers".It comes after a small number of e-bike fires on the transport network, including one which exploded and caught fire on a Tube station platform in north-west London in April an e-bike also exploded and burst into flames on a platform at Sutton railway station. The operator said it "will keep these changes under review, pending any future changes to legislation by the government regarding e-bike safety standards". Existing rules around non-folding bikes and e-bikes will remain in place, including rules stipulating that no e-bikes are permitted on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and that no non-folding bikes are allowed on buses or stressed non-foldable e-bikes would continue to be permitted on the Silvertown Cycle Shuttle Service, Woolwich Ferry, river services depending on the operator and coach services depending on the operator. 'Build a safer London' Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer, said: "We have been working closely with the London Fire Brigade on a review of the safety risks associated with e-bikes on our network. "This safety ban will play a vital role in keeping our transport system safe for everyone, and we continue to work with partners in government and beyond to improve e-bike safety."Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "The safety of Londoners is my top priority and, while most e-bikes are safe, there have been a small number of incidents where non-foldable e-bikes have caught fire on the transport system, which have caused me great concern."I have asked TfL to continue to work with government and partners to improve e-bike safety as we build a safer London for everyone."
