Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled plans that, over the next five years, will modify how the capital’s streets operate.
‘London on the move’ will see the rollout of cutting-edge new technology, new bus priority measures and the expansion of the Lane Rental programme.
TfL stated that this, the first-ever pan-city roadworks plan, will focus on using innovation to deliver safer, healthier, and more efficient journeys for millions of Londoners.
The plan will also see improvements to London’s Fusion traffic control system, with TfL utilising more data and greater computing power to ensure that traffic signals can react faster and avoid congestion proactively.
The system will be updated to analyse a broader range of data when making decisions about signal timings and can be upgraded in future to take advantage of artificial intelligence sensors.
The changes could reduce delays by up to 14% and deliver £1bn in benefits through reduced journey times.
TfL’s director of streets and network operations, Carl Eddleston, said: ‘We’re determined to ensure London’s road network is amongst the best in the world and the new London on the move plan marks a major step forward in how we manage London’s streets.
“By harnessing data, technology and the benefits of new infrastructure, our 2030 vision will see a better, safer street network that is better suited to the needs of Londoners today and tomorrow.
“We’ll continue to work with London’s boroughs and our other partners as we work to deliver this plan over the next five years.”
TfL is also expanding the use of Vivacity cameras across London and expanding technological upgrades to all of the 3,500 signals which buses pass through by 2030.
This includes carrying out signal timing reviews across entire bus routes instead of specific areas and BusSense, a partnership that reduces the impact of high-impact roadworks on bus routes, will be expanded.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to making London’s transport network as safe, efficient, and sustainable as possible.
“Congestion is annoying for everyone, and it costs our economy millions of pounds a year. This innovative new strategy will tackle the causes of congestion head on.
“This bold new approach to managing the capital’s streets will ensure they work for everyone: harnessing cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to reduce congestion, keep Londoners safe, and speed up journey times on London’s bus network.”
