Request ID: FOI-2086-2324 Date published: 11 October 2023
You asked
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to know what planning and analysis TfL completed about the impact of the extension of the 20mph speed limit across a further 65km of London roads on bus journey times across the capital.
I am referring to the extension of the 20mph limits detailed in this release:
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/september/tfl-to-launch-65km-of-new-lower-speed-limit-schemes-to-cut-road-danger-across-the-capital-and-save-lives
I would further like to know how many different bus routes will from the end of 2024 run along roads with a 20mph limit.
I would also like to know how many bus journey times / timetables have been adjusted so far to take into account of the slower speed limits and the average increase in journey times per route?
If this has not been done, are there any plans to adjust them in future?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2086-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14th September 2023 asking for information about bus journey times. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below. Question 1: I would like to know what planning and analysis TfL completed about the impact of the extension of the 20mph speed limit across a further 65km of London roads on bus journey times across the capital. I am referring to the extension of the 20mph limits detailed in this release: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/september/tfl-to-launch-65km-of-new-lower-speed-limit-schemes-to-cut-road-danger-across-the-capital-and-save-lives Answer:We are committed to eradicating fatal and serious injury collisions from London’s roads. As such, we launched the Lowering Speed Limits programme in 2018 to reduce the posted speed limit by 10mph in central London and on over 140km of our roads in inner and outer London by May 2024. Aside from the devastating human impact of collisions, incidents on the roads also cause delays to buses and their passengers. Indicative TfL monitoring of the 20mph speed limits introduced on roads within the central London Congestion Charging Zone shows a significant reduction in the number of collisions since its introduction. Interim monitoring post implementation of 20mph in central London found a 36 per cent reduction in collisions involving vulnerable road users and a 25 per cent decrease in collisions resulting in death or serious injury since the introduction of the lower speed limits.
We are also committed to protecting and improving bus journey times in London and have a target of introducing 25km of new bus lanes across London’s roads by 2025 as well as a dedicated Bus Priority investment programme. Average bus speeds have been maintained at the same level since these changes were introduced. We have developed a comprehensive monitoring strategy as part of the Lowering Speed Limits programme. At all sites where the speed limit has been reduced, we will undertake surveys before and after the speed limit change, analysing any changes to assess the impact and if further measures are required. This includes:
Radar speed surveys
Personal injury collisions via our Traffic Accident Diary System (TADS) database
Bus journey times
If buses are scheduled to travel above 20mph between any pre-determined locations (known as QSI points) then the bus operator/s would be expected to change the schedule to reflect compliance with the new 20mph limit. Any changes that impact operations would then be subject to internal approvals on a case-by-case basis. Where it has been identified that further speed reducing features are required, for example raised pedestrian crossing points, the impact on buses is investigated on a site-specific basis. Question 2: I would further like to know how many different bus routes will from the end of 2024 run along roads with a 20mph limit. Answer: We do not hold the requested information as bus routes can be subject to change. Question 3: I would also like to know how many bus journey times / timetables have been adjusted so far to take into account of the slower speed limits and the average increase in journey times per route? Answer: None. We consistently review schedules with bus operators to ensure that they are both resilient and provide contractually stipulated levels of reliability. We do not expect a material change to the current schedules, but any change in road conditions will be identified as part of the usual scheduled reliability reviews. Question 4: If this has not been done, are there any plans to adjust them in future? Answer: See answers to Questions 1 and 3 above. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
