Better public transport and safer, less congested roads

Over 20 million. That’s how many journeys are made every day on London’s roads and public transport network.

The amount of space on London’s streets is limited. Busy roads create challenges for everyone. Think of congestion and delayed buses, and people getting hurt or even killed. 

The more vehicles on the road, the more these challenges will continue to impact our streets. London’s population is expected to grow, which would put more pressure on roads and public spaces over time, although changing behaviour can lessen this impact.

Road transport is also a big source of carbon emissions, which cause climate change. This puts our city at greater risk from floods, storms and heatwaves. It needs a focus on transport because unlike other types of carbon emissions, transport emissions haven’t gone down since the 1990s.

Improving public transport, walking and cycling options can help address these challenges and give people and businesses more choices. With the funding for these improvements under pressure, it’s important to consider how and where these can make the most difference. 

What Londoners told us so far

City Hall’s Planning Team and colleagues from Transport for London spent a day exploring these challenges with 40 Londoners representative of the city’s diversity. 

The group explored the biggest issues they face while travelling and what they would like to change. Here’s a snapshot of what they said:

• ‘There are so many people being hit on a pedestrian crossing. It's like no one is stopping for you anymore.’
• ‘When I was younger I’d ride my bike anywhere around West London. At 60, you'd be taking your life in your own hand because it feels really dangerous cycling.’
• ‘From borough to borough, it is hard to move around, even if it's right next door, it is difficult even with public transport, and that’s why I use my car.’
• ‘It's very difficult financially to build new rail lines and stations. So, you have to focus on buses or potentially cycling if you want to reduce congestion and make it easier for people to get around.’

Join the conversation

Tell us how you’d change the city to address congestion, emissions and prevent people from getting hurt or killed on the roads.

• How would you like to see London’s streets and public spaces used?
• What would a great neighbourhood look like and how would people live, work and get around?
• Where in London would you focus investment in better public transport and safer walking and cycling? And why?
• How can we reduce transport emissions and congestion in a way that is fair for everyone as London’s population grows over time?