Case study: Roadworks
Growth in the number of roadworks being carried out in the capital is a major cause of congestion – which rose sharply in 2006 despite traffic volumes remaining relatively low. Whilst essential roadworks are unavoidable, we argued for greater effort to mitigate the effects and succeeded in persuading TfL to invest in ‘cover plates’ to allow roads to be opened when ongoing works are not manned.
Roads
Action to tackle London’s traffic problems is a top priority for London First
The annual cost of congestion in London is approximately equal to 1% of the capital’s GDP. With recent predictions by Transport for London (TfL) showing that congestion is likely to grow by 35% by 2025, the health and wealth of London depends on addressing road transport problems.
Road user charging
London First proposed Congestion Charging as a means of tackling central London gridlock and as an alternative funding stream to deliver vital investment in the capital’s transport system. We have since persuaded the Mayor to make the original scheme more user-friendly, including introducing next-day payment, extra paypoints and a 6pm finish.
A one-size-fits-all Congestion Charge scheme - undermined in its effectiveness by the Western Extension - is now a blunt instrument. Traffic speeds are dropping again. London First is advocating a number of smaller, more flexible road user charging schemes to tackle congestion hotspots across the whole of London.
Getting London to work - Executive summary / Full report
Our thanks go to Clive Ansell, BT’s Group Strategy Director and London First Board member, who chaired this work
Better roads management
The performance of the existing roads network is vital to London’s businesses. We have put forward a range of recommendations and continue to work with stakeholders to deliver improvements.
Driving Business - report
London First Roads Group - progress update
Our thanks go to Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of John Lewis plc and chair of the steering group which produced these recommendations
Bridges to prosperity
New river crossings in East London are an essential part of a package of transport improvements that will help transform the Thames Gateway. Linking regeneration areas north and south of the Thames will improve access to jobs, education and leisure opportunities, increasing the attractiveness of the area to new and existing residents. For local businesses these crossings will open up new markets, suppliers and skills pools, and boost the local economy.
- Thames Gateway Bridge – London First has long campaigned for this bridge linking Beckton and Thamesmead
London First comment following decision to reopen Inquiry, Jul 07
Letter to Secretary of State, Apr 07
Supplementary evidence, Feb 06
London First submission – summary, May 05
Our thanks go to Stuart Robinson of CB Richard Ellis, who represented London First at the Public Inquiry - Silvertown Link – we firmly support this crossing which will connect Greenwich Peninsula and the Silvertown/Royal Docks areas, relieving congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel. We are pleased at its inclusion in the London Plan revisions, for delivery in 2017.
Letter to Transport Commissioner, Aug 06
Low Emission Zone
The Mayor’s plans to introduce a London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are flawed. The scheme, due to be introduced in 2008, will charge commercial buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles working in Greater London if they do not comply with certain emissions standards, with the proposal to tighten emission criteria further in 2010 and again in 2012.
London First supports the aim of improving the capital’s air quality. However, we have proposed that, to be genuinely effective, the scheme should tackle polluting cars, taxis and vans as well. The LEZ should also focus on where the problem is most acute - the existing central London congestion charging zone - where the enforcement technology is already in place and administrative costs of a LEZ could be reduced.
London First’s response to the LEZ scheme order
For more information contact Tim Hockney
