Transport

INTRODUCTION

Overview of Transport Challenges and Policy Directions in London

London’s transport system is at a critical juncture, grappling with interconnected challenges of congestion, inequality, and the climate crisis. Current policies are failing to meet key targets, such as the goal for 80% of trips to be made via sustainable modes by 2041. Congestion has worsened, making London Europe’s most congested city, while bus reliability and speed have declined, partly due to the removal of bus lanes in Outer London. This exacerbates social inequalities, as car ownership varies dramatically—from 80% in some outer boroughs to 45% in inner London—with the latter often having better public transport options.

A central failure identified is the lack of progress on decarbonisation. While initiatives like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) address ground-level air quality, overall CO2 emissions from transport remain a neglected and significant problem. Lack of political and policy implementation and underfunded public transport are key reasons for this stagnation. Furthermore, new high-density housing developments often lack corresponding improvements in transport infrastructure, and there is a concerning trend of losing strategic industrial land and rail freight facilities to housing, which pushes essential economic activities further out and increases freight mileage into the city. The overarching need is for a transformative approach that creates a fairer, affordable, healthier, and genuinely zero-carbon transport system.

Solutions in our RECENT RESPONSE

To the GLA’s consultation on ‘Towards a New London Plan’

  • Develop a Shared Decarbonisation Vision: The Mayor should collaborate with communities to create an inspiring vision for zero-carbon streets and neighbourhoods.
  • Empower Local Communities: Encourage “Friends of Streets” groups to give communities a direct role in street management and realising the “Healthy Streets” approach.
  • Prioritise and Improve Bus Services: Make the case for government funding to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet before 2030 and better protect bus lanes to improve reliability and speed.
  • Implement Equitable Road Pricing: Adopt a road pricing scheme much earlier than currently planned, but only if it is proportionate and fair.
  • Reduce the Need to Travel: Promote Polycentric Development and “Lifetime Neighbourhoods by creating self-sufficient neighbourhoods and developing multiple centres across London to decentralise activity, supported by improved orbital transport and bus services.
  • Enhance Cycling Infrastructure and Safety: Expand cycleways and bike docking stations in Outer London, and provide cycle tuition to make roads feel safer for a broader population.
  • Green Space Access: Guarantee walkable access to good quality public green spaces.
  • Extend ULEZ to Larger Vehicles: Target high-emission “gas-guzzlers” to further reduce emissions and generate revenue for public transport improvements, notably on suburban rail lines through ‘metroisation’.
  • Reform Planning and Parking Standards: Reduce mandatory car parking standards in new developments, particularly in Outer London, and update outdated cycle parking requirements given the rise of hire bikes.
  • Safeguard Industrial and Freight Land: Protect strategic industrial sites with rail freight access (e.g., sidings, wharves) from being lost to housing, to prevent longer logistics journeys and the loss of essential economic activity from London.
  • Oppose Aviation Expansion: Reduce aviation and its harmful impacts, strongly opposing the expansion of Heathrow and London City Airport, which serve a minority and consume valuable land.

LINKS, GROUPS CAMPAIGNING ON THIS ISSUE

London Living Streets – Campaigning for safe and vibrant streets, where people want to walk

London Cycling Campaign

Future Transport London

Friends of the Earth

Sustrans now see Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Campaign for Better Transport

Transport for All

Grand Union Alliance

ARCHIVE links 

Briefing note on transport for 2025 conference https://justspace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Transport-Sheet-Conference-2025-v2docx.pdf

2025 Just Space response to the GLA’s Towards and New London Plan download
https://justspace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TaNLP-response-Just-Space-220625.pdf

2019 Examination in Public of the draft London Plan, transport section starts at
https://justspace.org.uk/london-plan-2021/hearings-eip-2019#M76

2017 Just Space response to the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy MTS https://justspace.org.uk/2017/10/03/transport-strategy-response/