The way we use London’s roads was changing fast even before the pandemic. Demand – driven in part by the growth in private hire and personalised deliveries – has been accelerating leading to congestion and declining bus speeds.
At the same time, the Mayoral Transport Strategy has aggressive targets for active travel which leads to competition for road space. And 2021 will see a significant expansion of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone.
Many of these existing trends have now been accelerated. Increased home working has resulted in more personal deliveries and the public sector has responded to the pandemic with Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, the Streetspaces programme of space reallocation, an increase in the Congestion Charge, and the prospect of e‑scooter trials.
We have brought together a working group of members and stakeholders to deliver a series of sprints on critical issues shaping the future of roads. Our first sprint, on freight and deliveries, will report in the first quarter of 2021.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, please contact Victoria Poku-Amanfo.