Tag Archive: london

  1. London retains title as Europe’s most congested city

    Comments Off on London retains title as Europe’s most congested city

    Source: TomTom

    London has once again earned the title of Europe’s most slow-moving city, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index data.

    In 2024, the average driver in London spent over 33 minutes traveling just 10 kilometers, surpassing Dublin and Paris as the slowest-moving urban center on the continent.

    Traffic woes escalate

    London’s average travel speed was a mere 18 km/h (11.2 mph), with congestion adding an average of eight minutes per trip compared to free-flowing conditions. The overall congestion level reached 32%, marking a slight increase from the previous year. Morning and evening rush hours were particularly challenging, with journeys taking nearly 40 minutes to cover the same distance. Cumulatively, London drivers lost 113 hours annually to traffic delays, significantly impacting productivity and quality of life.

    Factors driving congestion

    There are several factors believed to contribute to London’s notorious traffic. The city’s historic layout, with narrow and winding streets, struggles to accommodate the growing population of approximately 8.9 million. London also serves as the UK’s economic hub, attracting heavy commuting traffic. Construction projects, such as those on the M25 ring road in 2024, are believed to have likely exacerbated the situation.

    Additionally, it has been stated that the volume of delivery vehicles has surged, partly due to the pandemic-driven rise in e-commerce. While measures like low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) have attempted to reduce vehicle movement in some areas, they remain controversial and have sparked protests alongside support.

    Initiatives to address congestion

    Transport for London (TfL) is actively working to alleviate congestion. Key strategies include reducing the 10 million daily car trips in London by encouraging alternative transportation modes which are healthier and more sustainable like walking and cycling, as well as public transit. TfL estimates that more than 30% of these trips could be completed on foot within 25 minutes, while 1.7 million could easily be switched to bus journeys.

    To deter car use, London has long implemented measures such as the congestion charge, now £15 (around €18) for vehicles entering central zones, and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee for high-emission vehicles. Proposals to pedestrianize areas like Oxford Street and ongoing efforts to improve bus travel times aim to further reduce traffic.

    A persistent challenge

    Despite these measures, there are indications that these changes may not be sufficient enough to keep pace with rising demand. Suburban areas of London saw comparatively faster travel times, with an average of 20 minutes for 10 kilometers, underscoring the heavier congestion within the city center.

    As TfL continues to push for sustainable transportation solutions, the challenge remains to balance reducing car use with providing viable alternatives. For now, Londoners must contend with some of the most prolonged commutes in Europe.

  2. London tightens e-bike parking regulations to address growing congestion concerns

    Comments Off on London tightens e-bike parking regulations to address growing congestion concerns

    Source: Techcrunch

    Transport for London (TfL) has introduced stricter e-bike parking regulations in response to growing concerns about the obstructions caused by on-demand rental bikes from companies like Lime, Human Forest, and Dott.

    The new policy mandates that e-bikes can only be parked in designated areas on TfL land and high-traffic “red routes,” aiming to bring order to London’s congested streets.

    London has become a testing ground for e-bike services, as a template for assessing their business viability and environmental impact in urban settings. The city currently has at least 40,000 e-bikes in circulation from various providers, complementing TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme. While e-bikes are praised for promoting sustainable, efficient urban travel, improper parking has drawn criticism for clogging sidewalks and impeding non-electric bike racks.

    An allocation of £1 million for 7,500 parking spaces

    The enforcement measures expand on prior localized policies to cover a broader area of the city. TfL has allocated £1 million (1,205,275 EUR) to create 7,500 parking spaces across London boroughs, adding to the 2,000 bays already in place. On red routes alone, 800 parking spaces are planned by next summer, with a total of 3,000 targeted by 2026. However, these measures still fall short of accommodating the full demand, as the current parking infrastructure addresses only a fraction of the bikes in circulation.

    E-bike providers required to incorporate regulations into their technology

    E-bike companies are required to implement technology-based restrictions to ensure compliance. For instance, rental apps will prevent users from ending trips outside designated parking zones. Operators who fail to adhere to the rules may face fines or legal action, although the policy does not yet specify penalty amounts or cover areas outside TfL land and red routes.

    Feedback from industry stakeholders

    Industry stakeholders have voiced mixed reactions. Caroline Seton, co-founder of Human Forest, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for government-backed legislation to enforce uniform standards across operators. Lime echoed the sentiment, highlighting its investment in parking infrastructure and commitment to working with TfL to address urban challenges. The policy signals a shift toward stricter regulation of e-bike schemes while maintaining their role in advancing sustainable transportation. Kieron Williams, London Councils executive member for Climate, Transport, and Environment, expressed optimism, urging operators to take greater responsibility and collaborate on long-term solutions.

    As London adapts to its evolving transportation landscape, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a challenge in shaping the future of dockless e-bike systems in urban environments.

  3. Cycle journeys in London have increased by 26% since 2019

    Comments Off on Cycle journeys in London have increased by 26% since 2019

    Source: Zag Daily

    Recent statistics from Transport for London (TfL) indicate a 26% rise in the number of cycling trips since 2019.

    According to TfL’s latest Travel in London report, the capital sees approximately 1.33 million cycling journeys each day, marking a 5% increase from the 1.26 million daily trips recorded in 2023.

    This surge in cycling activity coincides with the expansion of London’s Cycleway network, which has now exceeded 400 kilometers, more than quadrupling its length since 2016 and surpassing the length of the London Underground.

    “It’s a significant increase in cycling that defies national trends,” stated Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, in an interview with Zag Daily. “What it shows is that all the actions and policies like the expansion to Cycleways, the Mayor’s Healthy Streets approach and the Vision Zero strategy are working in terms of getting more people cycling.”

    The most substantial growth was observed in central London, where cycling journeys rose by 11.6% between 2023 to 2024. Inner London experienced a 4.2% increase, while outer London saw a 3.8% rise.

    In October, eight Cycleways were expanded in London, and Transport for London (TfL) introduced 20 new Cycleway routes during the 2023/24 period. Currently, 27.4% of Londoners live within 400 meters of the cycle network, with TfL collaborating with London boroughs to achieve the Mayor’s target of 40% by 2030.

    A call from the industry is that London’s cycling routes need to be interconnected throughout the entire city, addressing the current gaps in the network.

    “We’ve made progress, but this is the start” Mr. Norman stated. “There are still holes in the network – one of the obvious being Kensington and Chelsea. Focusing on those boroughs that are not yet delivering is a priority because a network is only as good as its weakest spot.”

    Transport for London (TfL) has announced that next year will see the completion of several borough-led Cycleways, including routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne, and along Deptford Church Street.

    “There are boroughs who have never had bike lanes looking at installing cycle networks in the next six to 12 months and that is thanks to campaigning communities and politicians recognising the importance of this.”

  4. Transport for London (TfL) considers reducing minimum age limit for e-scooter riders to 16 and increasing the speed limit

    Comments Off on Transport for London (TfL) considers reducing minimum age limit for e-scooter riders to 16 and increasing the speed limit

    Source: Safer Highways

    Transport officials under Sadiq Khan are reportedly considering raising the maximum speed for rental e-scooters to 15.5 mph and lowering the minimum rider age to 16.

    This proposal comes despite 35 serious e-scooter-related injuries in London since trials began in 2021 as part of the city’s “green transport revolution.”

    Currently, nearly 5,000 rental scooters in London have a speed cap of 12.5 mph. However, according to a report referenced by The Telegraph, Transport for London (TfL) is considering aligning with the UK’s national e-scooter speed limit of 15.5 mph. The proposal would also permit riders aged 16 and older, provided they hold a provisional license.

    London’s two e-scooter operators each have their own age restrictions: Lime requires riders to be 18, while Voi sets the minimum at 16. Nationally, e-scooters are capped at 15.5 mph, though some cities, like London, have opted for lower speed limits.

    The London Council report indicates that TfL hopes these adjustments could bolster the e-scooter trial’s longevity and competitiveness. However, safety concerns remain high; Department for Transport data from 2022 reveals that e-scooters were involved in 1,402 collisions across Britain, with 440 resulting in serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. Tragically, 12 fatalities were recorded in e-scooter accidents that year, including 11 riders and one pedestrian.

    Sarah Gayton, a representative from the blind advocacy charity NFBUK, criticized TfL’s consideration of speed increases, calling it “insane” and alleging undue influence from e-scooter operators. In defense, TfL’s e-scooter trial lead Helen Sharp emphasized the trial’s safety standards, adding that while they considered aligning with the national 15.5 mph limit, no immediate changes are planned.

    In London, e-scooters can currently be rented in boroughs including Camden, City of London, Ealing (east), Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets (Canary Wharf area), and Westminster. The rental contracts for these e-scooters have been extended until 2026.

  5. Registration open for TRL’s Discover:Innovation Day 2024

    Comments Off on Registration open for TRL’s Discover:Innovation Day 2024

    Source: TRL

    TRL’s world-leading Smart Mobility Living Lab in London will host Discover: Innovation Day on Wednesday, 17th July. The event promises a day filled with exciting innovations in transport mobility.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in transportation technology from TRL and its partners. The event will bring together industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge innovators.

    Reasons to Attend:

    • Discover the Future: Explore the latest trends and technologies transforming the mobility landscape, from electric and autonomous vehicles to smart city infrastructure and sustainable transportation solutions.
    • Network with Visionaries: Connect with key players in the industry, expand professional networks, and forge valuable partnerships.
    • Experience Innovation: Engage with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking insights.

    Click here to register.

  6. 2024 City Rating reveals cycling disparities across England

    Comments Off on 2024 City Rating reveals cycling disparities across England

    Source: BikeBiz

    The latest City Ratings, a data analysis tool assessing the bike-friendliness of global cities and towns, has been released. The new annual data reveals that while London leads in England, the country as a whole lags significantly behind other European nations.

    This information is concerning for cyclists and transport advocates, four years after the launch of Gear Change, the outgoing government’s flagship cycling initiative. Gear Change aimed for 50% of urban journeys to be made by walking or cycling by 2030, yet PeopleForBikes’ data highlights the continued lack of safe cycling infrastructure.

    The City Ratings, calculated annually since 2017 by the US advocacy group PeopleForBikes, evaluate cities’ bike network quality and connectivity, including protected bike lanes, bike paths, low speed limits, and safe crossings. This year, the data for England covers London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Surrey, Cheshire, Oxford, Cambridge, and more.

    London leads the way

    London leads England in cycling amenities, with 16 of the 20 highest-rated boroughs. Cambridge holds the top spot with a score of 84 out of 100, followed by Hackney and Islington, both scoring 82. These areas have fewer “high stress” roads and feature low-speed limits (20 mph). On average, London scores 69, Greater Manchester 49, and the West Midlands 46.

    The aim of the data is to highlight the best cities and towns for cycling and provide city leaders and campaigners with actionable insights to improve cycling in their communities. This release coincides with political parties making transport commitments and outlining their visions for Active Travel.

    In London, the lowest-rated boroughs are Bromley (52), Harrow (51), and Barnet (50), illustrating the significant variation within the city.

    England continues to lag behind other European countries

    Compared to Europe, England lags behind, with the Netherlands dominating the top 10 with five cities: The Hague (89), Utrecht (86), Almere (85), Eindhoven (85), and Amsterdam (85). France, Belgium, and Germany also feature in the top 10. Paris ranks second overall with a score of 87. Internationally, three London boroughs rank among the top 20: Hackney (13th, 82), Islington (15th, 82), and Southwark (19th, 80).

    The West Midlands and Greater Manchester

    The West Midlands and Greater Manchester have shown significant commitments to cycling. Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham launched the Bee Network, integrating transport and cycling, though he faced criticism for rejecting a Clean Air Zone. Greater Manchester’s average rating of 49 lags behind London. The West Midlands, including Birmingham, aims to establish itself as the UK’s second city but falls behind Manchester in the 2024 ratings. Investments and progress under outgoing mayor Andy Street are noted, with campaigners urging similar ambition from the new Labour mayor Richard Parker.

    Amid a general election, campaigners and local authorities seek clarity on the incoming government’s approach to Active Travel. PeopleForBikes hopes this data will empower activists and stakeholders to advocate for safer cycling infrastructure and its benefits.

    Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes’ president and CEO, stated, “The data for England clearly shows not only a divide between London and other cities but also between England and other European countries. We hope this data provides valuable insights for local authorities, campaigners, and everyone advocating for better cycling infrastructure.”

    “These ratings highlight the progress and ongoing challenges for UK cycling infrastructure. Cambridge’s top ranking and the strong performance of several London boroughs demonstrate what is possible with committed leadership and investment in safe, accessible cycling. Our goal with this data is to celebrate successes and provide actionable steps for city leaders and campaigners to improve cycling infrastructure in their communities. As political parties outline their transportation visions, they must prioritize active transportation to create healthier, more sustainable cities.”

  7. Research reveals low confidence in UK transport sector

    Comments Off on Research reveals low confidence in UK transport sector

    Zag Daily reports that a recent study from the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) has unveiled a significant trust deficit in the British public towards the national government when it comes to making local transport decisions. Only 13% of Britons most trust the national government with this responsibility, while local councils command the confidence of 37% of the populace.

    Source: Zag Daily

    Regarding political parties’ trustworthiness on improving public transport, 33% of the public trust the Labour Party, contrasting with just 13% who trust the Conservative Party. This information emerges in a context marked by increasing political debate around transport issues, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s remarks about a “war on motorists”, the polarizing implementation of low-traffic neighborhoods, and the Mayor of London’s extension of the ULEZ to encompass all London boroughs.

    IPPR Senior Research Fellow and co-author of the report, Dr. Maya Singer Hobbs, provided her insights to Zag Daily, critiquing the governmental rhetoric. “Westminster has attempted to divide people into ‘drivers’ and everyone else, but this is not reflective of how people think of themselves,” she said. “Most people who drive will also walk and take the bus or train, or cycle. This also ignores the fact that the transport system as a whole is failing people.”

    The report titled ‘Who Gets a Good Deal? Revealing Public Attitudes to Transport In Great Britain’ also highlights that one in five individuals are concerned about affording necessary transport. Moreover, in the past two years, 71% have modified their travel habits to decrease expenses. It identifies that individuals living in rural areas and those on lower incomes are disproportionately affected by the inefficiencies of the UK transport system, whereas those on higher incomes tend to fare better.

    Dr. Hobbs expressed the public’s dissatisfaction with the transport system and their high valuation of public transportation: “People agree that transport isn’t working for them, but the solution to this can be found in how highly people rate public transport,” she explained.

    The study also reveals that 53% of the population views public transport as essential for getting to work, significantly more than the 20% who consider car ownership necessary. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents prioritize public transport over having a phone, and 43% rate it as more crucial than internet access.

    In light of these findings, as the UK approaches a general election, the IPPR has proposed six transportation priorities for the next government. These include implementing a comprehensive, shared multimodal transport strategy for England and allocating 10% of the transport budget to active travel by 2029. Additionally, the report calls for all buses in urban areas to be electric by 2030 and for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.

    Dr. Hobbs advocates for a shift in funding strategies: “We would like to see an end to competitive short-term funding and move to longer-term, strategic, single-pot funding which in conjunction with greater devolution will allow mayoralties and local authorities to deliver ambitious transport networks,” she stated. “This funding will help ensure a wider network coverage and maintain an affordable bus fare cap. We would like to see greater powers for local transport authorities to franchise bus networks or deliver municipally owned fleets.”

    This comprehensive analysis by the IPPR clearly signals a call for sweeping changes in how transport policies are formulated and implemented, aiming for a system that better reflects and serves the needs of all citizens.

  8. London’s ULEZ subsidies could contribute to increased LEV use in excluded groups

    Comments Off on London’s ULEZ subsidies could contribute to increased LEV use in excluded groups

    Source: Cycling Industry News, M. Sutton

    Subsidies available through the ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ scrappage scheme have been confirmed to be valid for the purchase of e-bikes, cargo bikes, and e-scooters.

    London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) was designed to reduce the use of the most polluting vehicles in the city centre. Thus far, the ULEZ has helped to reduce roadside pollution levels by 44% in central London and 20% in inner London. Hence, the scheme is going London-wide from August 2023, aiming to improve air quality for an additional 5 million residents, trigger a 2% reduction in car use, and cut further into PM2.5 exhaust emissions.

    A key factor in the ULEZ expansion is the associated £110 million ‘scrappage scheme’; the full details of this can be found here. Transport for London shared, “Following the success of our last scrappage scheme, which saw the removal of more than 15,000 polluting vehicles from London’s roads, our new scrappage scheme will support Londoners on certain low income or disability benefits, and eligible micro-businesses (up to 10 employees), sole traders and charities with a registered address in London. Only eligible applicants with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standard will qualify for our new scrappage scheme.“

    It is excellent to hear that scrappage subsidies can be applied to the purchase of e-bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes. This massively improves the accessibility of LEVs and green mobility to many Londoners who may have been priced out until now.

  9. Zero-emission cargo bike trader’s market sees successful trial in the UK

    Comments Off on Zero-emission cargo bike trader’s market sees successful trial in the UK

    Source: Cycling Industry News, M. Sutton

    The ‘Cleaner Air Markets’ report from Fare City reveals that using cargo bikes and electric vehicles for the delivery of goods to local trader’s markets may reduce CO2 emissions by 67.5 times compared to use of conventional diesel vans.

    The new UK-based report examines how the traders of a working market were enabled to switch from their polluting internal combustion engine vehicles to trial zero tailpipe emission modes of transport, such as cargo bikes and electric vehicles. Report publisher, Fare City shares, “There is an exciting opportunity to reconsider how we service our public markets. At present, traders use polluting vans and cars to bring goods to and from markets in towns and cities across the UK. For years, this practice of driving goods into the heart of communities has contributed to local air pollution, congestion, and carbon emissions, adversely impacting the very people such markets aim to serve.”

    Find the full report via the Fare City website.

    In its inaugural effort to develop one London marketplace, Fare City reports that if all traders within the trial were to permanently switch to zero-emission modes, annual CO2 emissions would drop by 1,175kg. This, of course, is due to the substituted transport methods such as cargo bikes and e-bikes producing 67.5 times less CO2 pollution than diesel vans in the same scenario.

    Mark Sutton’s write-up of the report describes a carbon reduction of 99% over journeys of 5km. He shares, “Assessment of a typical 5km journey returned the finding that a trader travelling 5km each way in a diesel van will produce 2.65kg CO2e. This will reduce to 0.77kg CO2e if using an electric van, a 71% reduction, while if the diesel van was replaced by an electric cargo bike the carbon emissions would drop from 2.65kg to 0.04kg CO2e, a reduction of 99%“

    A secondary finding highlights the warm reception of market traders to alternative transportation methods – 90% of all market traders and 57% of all market businesses engaged with the project. From the user-base 80% of participants stated that they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to use a zero-emission device again thanks to the benefits they experienced.

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.