Latest news with #WillNorman
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."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Speed limit of 20mph 'reduced crashes and deaths'
The introduction of 20mph limits on London's roads reduced the number of deaths and injuries, according to a report commissioned by Transport for London (TfL). Across all 157 schemes on borough roads, there was a 34% decrease in fatal or serious casualties - although other safety features in the control group indicated it would have fallen by 15% anyway. Walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman said the new analysis was "compelling" and "shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives." But Callum McGoldrick, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, said blanket 20mph zones "risk punishing responsible drivers without delivering clear value for money." The 20mph speed limit schemes were implemented between 1989 and 2013. The aim of the report, which analyses their introduction over the 24 years, was to better understand their impact over a longer time period, TfL said. The report, the first of its scale in London, TfL added, also examined the three-year periods surrounding the implementation of each 20mph scheme. In London, 5% of roads are operated by TfL with the rest managed by London's 32 boroughs and the City of London. The 20mph speed limit was introduced across the central London Congestion Charging zone in March 2020 although more than half of boroughs now implement the same policy, TfL said. Last year, the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association branded the widening of 20mph zones "devastating" to black cab drivers. The authors of the latest report recognised the implementation of 20mph schemes "was not the sole cause of improved road safety in this time". The analysis also found: A 35% reduction of all collisions - from 2,560 to 1,715 however the control group showed a drop of 12% would have occurred anyway Deaths fell from 15 to nine The number of children killed dropped from four to one No change was observed in motorcycle-related fatalities BBC London's Transport Correspondent Tom Edwards said the context and bigger picture here was London would be getting more 20mph speed limits. "Already about half of London's roads are 20mph and City Hall are preparing the ground for more on the basis that it saves lives. "That fits with the mayor's Vision Zero policy to get road casualties to zero." He added that while there is a lot of support for 20mph limits, particularly in residential areas, those against them think they reduce productivity and are inconvenient - and the issue has become political elsewhere. London is world's slowest city for drivers - study London's 20mph limits 'not making buses slower' New 20mph speed limit for five London boroughs Mr McGoldrick, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, representents these concerns. "Slowing down traffic across entire areas can clog up roads, delay journeys and hit productivity, especially for tradespeople and small businesses," he said. "Rather than heavy-handed restrictions, councils and TfL should focus on targeted measures at accident blackspots, not treating every motorist like a menace." But Mr Norman said 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". "Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. "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." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Speed limit of 20mph 'reduced crashes and deaths'
The introduction of 20mph limits on London's roads reduced the number of deaths and injuries, according to a report commissioned by Transport for London (TfL). Across all 157 schemes on borough roads, there was a 34% decrease in fatal or serious casualties - although other safety features in the control group indicated it would have fallen by 15% anyway. Walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman said the new analysis was "compelling" and "shows clearly that lowering speeds is saving lives." But Callum McGoldrick, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, said blanket 20mph zones "risk punishing responsible drivers without delivering clear value for money." The 20mph speed limit schemes were implemented between 1989 and 2013. The aim of the report, which analyses their introduction over the 24 years, was to better understand their impact over a longer time period, TfL said. The report, the first of its scale in London, TfL added, also examined the three-year periods surrounding the implementation of each 20mph scheme. In London, 5% of roads are operated by TfL with the rest managed by London's 32 boroughs and the City of London. The 20mph speed limit was introduced across the central London Congestion Charging zone in March 2020 although more than half of boroughs now implement the same policy, TfL said. Last year, the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association branded the widening of 20mph zones "devastating" to black cab drivers. The authors of the latest report recognised the implementation of 20mph schemes "was not the sole cause of improved road safety in this time". The analysis also found: A 35% reduction of all collisions - from 2,560 to 1,715 however the control group showed a drop of 12% would have occurred anyway Deaths fell from 15 to nine The number of children killed dropped from four to one No change was observed in motorcycle-related fatalities BBC London's Transport Correspondent Tom Edwards said the context and bigger picture here was London would be getting more 20mph speed limits. "Already about half of London's roads are 20mph and City Hall are preparing the ground for more on the basis that it saves lives. "That fits with the mayor's Vision Zero policy to get road casualties to zero." He added that while there is a lot of support for 20mph limits, particularly in residential areas, those against them think they reduce productivity and are inconvenient - and the issue has become political elsewhere. London is world's slowest city for drivers - study London's 20mph limits 'not making buses slower' New 20mph speed limit for five London boroughs Mr McGoldrick, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, representents these concerns. "Slowing down traffic across entire areas can clog up roads, delay journeys and hit productivity, especially for tradespeople and small businesses," he said. "Rather than heavy-handed restrictions, councils and TfL should focus on targeted measures at accident blackspots, not treating every motorist like a menace." But Mr Norman said 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". "Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many. "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." Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
Time Out
28-04-2025
- Time Out
TfL is boosting cycle routes in all London boroughs with £88 million in funding
At the tail end of 2024, Transport for London (TfL) revealed that the capital's cycleway network had just hit an impressive landmark. London's map of routes dedicated to those on two wheels had been extended to cover a whopping 400 kilometres, making it officially one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities. All of which is very impressive, but TfL isn't stopping there. The transport body has announced that it will be pumping a further £87.6 million into a road safety programme delivering new cycle routes and more pedestrian crossings, and supporting more School Streets schemes. TfL's investment will be spread across all 32 of London's boroughs and the City of London, and the £88-odd million number will be spent in the first year alone. The government body will partner with boroughs to deliver the improvements. Over three years, London could get up to 95 kilometres of new cycle routes, 222 new School Streets schemes and 265 new pedestrian crossings. During the same period, TfL is hoping to boost bus travel with 20km more bus lanes. Commenting on the investment, walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman said: 'Creating greener and safer streets in London will enable more people to choose active travel to get around, and this is vital to achieving the Mayor's environmental targets. 'This funding for boroughs, a significant increase on last year, shows the Mayor's commitment to improving walking and cycling in London, and we look forward to continuing working with boroughs to build a better, safer and greener London for everyone.' Cycling in London with Time Out
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Yahoo
Pedicab drivers face background security checks and ban on 'rip-off fares' when TfL licensing starts
Pedicab drivers face background security checks and may need to be able to speak English under new rules designed to regulate the industry for the first time. Transport for London plans to introduce similar rules for the pedicab trade to those already in place for minicabs, in response to longstanding concerns about rip-off fares and antisocial behaviour in the West End. TfL was granted legal powers by Parliament last June under the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. It and is now consulting Londoners on the precise restrictions. This includes whether pedicab drivers can continue to set their own fares or must abide by a TfL-approved set of charges that could be based on the time of day, distance travelled and / or Tube-style 'zones'. The overall aim is to make pedicabs, also known as cycle rickshaws, as safe as possible – both the vehicles themselves and the drivers. Numerous attempts have been made over the last decade to regulate the trade amid frequent reports of tourists and visitors to the West End being fleeced by drivers. In December 2023 a transport minister told of passengers being charged £200 for a £20 journey. In 2015 a rickshaw driver who sexually assaulted a young clubber after offering her a free ride home was jailed for six months. TfL says many pedicabs 'are popular with tourists as they can offer a fun and environmentally friendly way to see parts of the capital'. This includes so-called 'party bike' pedicabs, where large groups pedal a truck-sized vehicle through central London while drinking at an on-board bikes designed to carry fare-paying passengers would also be included in the regulations. Debates in Parliament have drawn attention to concerns regarding the safety of pedicabs 'and potential risks to women's safety due to a lack of checks of drivers'. A TfL briefing document said: 'There are numerous media reports citing examples of inappropriate behaviour by pedicab drivers, overcharging for short journeys and passengers feeling threatened by the pedicab driver.' As part of the consultation, which is open until March 7, TfL is seeking views on whether drivers have to hold a one-year licence and meet a set of safety standards such as criminal backgrounds checks. They would have to have insurance and ensure their pedicabs – which are often leased – are safe and roadworthy. Drivers would have to be at least 18, hold a driving licence, have the right to work in the UK, have passed 'UK and overseas criminal checks' – namely, a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check - and have 'English language skills'. They may also have to wear safety equipment, such as high visibility clothing. TfL is also considering whether regulations and licensing requirements should include the playing of loud music. Complaints have been made from Soho residents about the noise from loudspeakers on pedicabs. Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner, said: 'Pedicabs should be a fun and sustainable way for people to see London but, without regulation, some drivers are behaving unsafely or antisocially, and charging extortionate prices.' The consultation does not include potential fares nor give an indication of how much drivers might have to pay to obtain a licence or undergo a DBS security check. But TfL admits that the effect of licensing pedicabs is likely to drive away some drivers – meaning there will be fewer pedicabs in the West End. It admitted DBS checks 'can take several weeks or months to complete' and disadvantage people wanting to become driver to earn money quickly. TfL's impact analysis said: 'Regulation may bring licensing requirements which may impact some disadvantaged groups for example those where English isn't their first language.' The consultation will consider whether pedicabs can 'ply for trade' anywhere or only be available through pre-booking – as happens with minicabs at present. People running pedicab firms would have to be of 'good character' and of 'good business repute' and have a fixed address in London. TfL said the rules would provide pedicab drivers, pedestrians and other road users a 'course of redress' if they experience an issue with a pedicab. It is unknown how many pedicabs operate in London but research by the House of Commons Library said estimates varied between 200 and 900 vehicles. Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, said: 'The consultation is a vital step towards ensuring passenger and pedestrian safety.' Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, said: 'We would like to see the new regulations introduced as soon as possible. 'This will help to ensure that vehicles are road worthy, adequate checks are introduced for drivers and that passengers are charged a fair price. 'Ultimately, we want to help protect the safety of passengers and minimise anti-social behaviour so that the West End retains its reputation as a world-leading destination.'
