Request ID: FOI-0026-2425 Date published: 02 May 2024
You asked
January 2010 to January 2024 period of time l am enquiring about.
How many incidents have drivers reported with this timescale of pedal confusion?
How many injuries in this period of time have occurred due to pedal confusion?
HOW MANY DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN THIS TIMESCALE DUE TO PEDAL CONFUSION?
From the research published in Spring 2022 how many actions have been implemented to the bus fleet apart from footwell cameras?
Your statements say adjustments are being introduced onto new buses, alert lights on dashboards, AEBraking, adjustments to pedal alignment, What plans are there for the existing fleet of buses driving around London?
The meeting in December 2021 stated that the Victoria terminus layout would be looked at with a view to its safety after the death of Meliss Burr, what was implemented? now been another serious incident there.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0026-2425
Thank you for your request received on 5 April 2024 asking for information about ‘pedal confusion’ that can be experienced by some bus drivers.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and we keep them in mind as we strive to make improvements across our network.
You asked:
January 2010 to January 2024 period of time l am enquiring about.
How many incidents have drivers reported with this timescale of pedal confusion?
We have provided the most up-to-date analysis of injuries due to suspected pedal application error (PAE) (also commonly referred to as pedal confusion) incidents that have resulted in a collision. We have identified 53 incidents involving pedal application error that resulted in collision for the period June 2022 to March 2024. This is comprised of incidents where investigations have concluded.
Please note that information prior to May 2022 was provided in response to a previous request that is published on our website:
It should be noted that pedal application error is a known collision cause across many forms of motor transport. It is known to be under-reported as the driver will be convinced that they are pressing the brake when they are in fact pressing the accelerator. Any resulting collision is often blamed on brake failure or unintended acceleration. Our fitment of pedal cameras to newer buses as part of the Bus Safety Standard has introduced an opportunity to study this rare phenomenon and has already challenged expert opinion on the normal conditions under which PAE occurs. As a result, we are working with DfT and global experts to increase understanding of PAE and identify the most effective mitigations.
How many injuries in this period of time have occurred due to pedal confusion?
We have identified 19 injuries sustained in pedal application error incidents that resulted in collision for the period between June 2022 and March 2024. As above, this is comprised of incidents where investigations have concluded.
How many deaths have occurred within this timescale due to pedal confusion?
We have identified no fatalities sustained in pedal application error incidents that resulted in collision for the period between June 2022 and March 2024. As above, this is comprised of incidents where investigations have concluded.
From the research published in Spring 2022 how many actions have been implemented to the bus fleet apart from footwell cameras?
Since the publication in August 2022 of ‘Bus Safety Standard: Report – Pedal Confusion’, prepared by AECOM on behalf of TfL, TfL commissioned further research into a number of the areas raised in order to better understand the causes of pedal application error and, more importantly, the potential for mitigation. The evidence underpinning this programme has been derived from sources including collision data analysis, consultation with industry, a measurement survey of London bus cabs and naturalistic driving data. This report is currently being finalised and will be published on our website once complete. However, it is important to emphasise that this is a complex topic area and further research and development work is required before potential solutions are implemented on the bus fleet so that, for example, unintended consequences are avoided. We are working closely with our bus operating companies and independent technical experts to progress this programme.
Your statements say adjustments are being introduced onto new buses, alert lights on dashboards, AEBraking, adjustments to pedal alignment, What plans are there for the existing fleet of buses driving around London?
There are currently no plans to retrofit the features you refer to. Our efforts are focused on the research and development programme outlined above to gain a better understanding of the root causes – and therefore which mitigations are likely to be most effective – before we explore options for retrofitting solutions to older vehicles.
The meeting in December 2021 stated that the Victoria terminus layout would be looked at with a view to its safety after the death of Melissa Burr, what was implemented? now been another serious incident there.
An overview of the improvements which were made at Victoria Bus station following Melissa's tragic death are summarised in a previous FOI response:
Contrary to the red coloured surfacing referred to in our response, in the final design completed on site in December 2023 the crossings have a buff colour.
Additionally the pavement on Terminus Place to the north side of the bus station was widened to increase pedestrian comfort and encourage people to walk around the bus station rather than through it. Lighting was improved throughout the bus station too.
While the most recent fatal incident remains under investigation by the police it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specifics of that incident, however we can confirm it did not take place where recent improvements to crossing points had taken place.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
