E-View Magazine - Ed Writes

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2012, the year we have heard more spoken about than any previous year within living memory. Will it be a year to remember or a year best forgotten? No one knows for sure, but London has everything going for it – The Queens Diamond jubilee and of course the London Olympics! Radio Taxis Group Ltd will be pushing for its drivers to be out there in front and keeping everyone updated on the best places to go and where best to avoid going.
Happy New Year, Ed

Russell Square Goes Two Way

Russell Square was first built in 1800 and is London’s second biggest square after Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Camden Council has for some unknown reason decided to make the entire square two way! You can now go straight ahead in either direction from Southampton Row to Woburn Place, or left at the bottom or top – I ask again why?

The southern end only takes you to either Bedford Place or Montague Street, and the top end to Bedford Way! Far better, it would have been, to once again open up Montague Place to two - way traffic – this would save a lot of time getting to Bedford Square and Mallet Street and then we could cut off a corner into Torrington Place.

Westminster earlier last year went for the two-way-stretch with Piccadilly, St James’s Street and Pall Mall. Camden are also looking at making Grays Inn Road and Pentonville Road two-way, see the strategic review of the Kings Cross road network further down the page.

The 2012 Olympics Transport Challenges

I was invited along with other members of the trade press for a meeting with Graham Jones (TFL) and John Mason (director of TPH) at Palestra shortly before Christmas. It was a briefing to enlighten us about the transport challenges Tfl will have to face with the Olympics traffic in the coming year. Firstly Radio Taxis were congratulated by John Mason for conducting a poll showing 90% of drivers within the Radio Taxis Group would be working during the Olympic Games, with the Evening Standard printing the results(READ IT HERE) thus dispelling rumours that 40% of taxi-drivers would not be working.

There are expected to be 9 million spectators (equivalent to 26 simultaneous world championships) during the main Olympics, with a further 2 million for the Paralympics Games, all needing to take public transport, walk or cycle. In addition there will also be 300,000 athletes, officials, media, other games family members and workforce.

Can London’s transport system cope?

There are already 1.1 billion tube journeys per year, which compares to the rest of the UK rail network combined. Half of all bus journeys within the UK take place in London. The Olympic Park is also connected to four London Underground lines, national rail services and a dedicated ‘Javelin’ shuttle service to and from St Pancras International. Tfl are highly experienced in major events such as Royal Weddings, the London Marathon and New Year’s Eve celebrations, which makes them capable of handling large passenger transportation within the capital.

£40m is being invested in state-of-the-art intelligent signal control technology, installed at 350 extra junctions for the games, making 2,350 in total.

Olympic Route Network myths

Myth: “The ORN will be full of VIPs travelling in limousines in special ‘Zil Lanes’”

Any vehicle can use the vast majority of the ORN.

In London, it covers just 1% of the road network – and only one third of that is ‘Games Lanes’ for games traffic only.

Games Lanes are only implemented where more than one lane is available, are in the offside lane, and some replace bus lanes.

Most users will be media, athletes, officials and workers, and only after that sponsors and IOC members.

Myth: “There will be 100 days of disruption due to the ORN and road restrictions”

The ORN comes into operation just a couple of days before the Games start and will cease to operate as soon as it is no longer required.

The PRN (Paralympic Route Network), which is smaller, will also only operate when needed.

So then, what is the ORN?

It has been a feature of the Host City contract and in place at every Olympic Games since Sydney 2000 – and is needed to ensure reliable journeys for athletes, officials, workers and media. The vast majority of journeys will be by bus and coach and actually helping to minimise Games traffic on the roads.

Traffic measures are proportionate and will be removed when not needed. They include: changes to traffic signal timings, banned turns to and from some side roads, removal of some parking and loading bays and pedestrian crossings, ban on planned road works on the ORN from March 2012, and from most A and B roads in London during the games.

Provision of Games Lanes for the sole use of Games Family and emergency vehicles where absolutely necessary. They will comprise of just one third of the whole ORN in London or 0.3% of London’s road network.

Information Packs

TFL will be sending all taxi-drivers information packs sometime during spring. These include daily traffic hotspot maps, which start two days before the start, and throughout the Olympics.

Questions and Answers

During the meeting we were invited to ask questions – here are some of them:

Q: Is there going to be any adjustment to fares during the Olympics?

A: No – there has been no desire from within the trade to add anything extra to the fares.

Q: Are there to be additional marshalled ranks and where?

A: Yes, where ever possible at all major pick-up points.

Q: Will there be more cab sharing facilities, if so where?

A: Yes, and again where ever possible at all key locations.

Q: Will Tfl be able to use media such as the Evening Standard for further updates for taxi and private hire drivers over and above the info packs being sent out?

A: Yes, we will be using local radio such as LBC and Radio London. Also social media such as Twitter and Facebook for any updates when needed.

Q: Can a flyer be created to fix to the rear partition window warning passengers that routes may differ from normal due to road closures?

A: This is something we had not really thought of - it’s a good idea so we will take note of it.

Q: Will Tfl open up communications channels with radio circuits to fast track information during the Olympics?

A: Yes, we plan to inform all radio circuits, Apps and Social Media where there are any unmet demands, and any problems with roads.

Q: Could contraflow bus lanes be opened up for taxis to use during the Olympics to help with compensating for road closures and diversions.

A: Again this is something we had not thought about. We can certainly look into the possibility of some temporary use of some contraflow bus lanes.

Q: Will the bus lanes along Marylebone Road and Euston Road be decommissioned during the Olympics?

A: Yes, as the outside lane will be used as a games lane leaving the two inside lanes for all traffic.

Q: Will Russell Square be closed off and used as hub for the media with their coaches and buses parked up?

A: Yes, just the south of the square will be Partially open with all the north section closed off.

Be Positive After All It’s Our London

TFL and TPH are doing all that is necessary to make sure London keeps moving in spite of the games. Another 16 extra staff are being trained in the traffic management control centre.

Variable Messaging Signs are to be deployed at the side of some roads to announce when traffic can and can’t use the Games lanes.

Let’s try to remember we are all ambassadors for London and London taxi-drivers are the best in the world. The gaze of the world’s media will be upon us all. Let us show just how professional we are, and whatever situations might occur on the roads, we can still get our passengers where they want to go!

If we keep talking negatively all the time, the world press will pick up on it, and we will be portrayed as a bunch of amateurs. Unlike our competitors we can fathom routes out in our heads, without having to rely on Sat/Nav's all the time - which will have the private hire trade running around like headless chickens!

Let’s make London 2012 the Olympic showcase, where we can prove to the rest of the world why we are still the best.

Green and Yellow Identifiers

By this time most green badge drivers should have received their green identifiers. If not and certainly by the end of January, you should check with TPH to see if yours has been lost in the post!

Yellow badge drivers should receive their ones at the beginning of February.

By the 1st of March 2012 it will be a requirement to display them on the front and rear windows of your taxi when working.

The identifiers are designed to encourage compliance by drivers, including plying for hire within their licensed area. The aim is not to restrict where drivers can legally work or cause divisions between Green Badge and Yellow Badge drivers. The identifiers will make it easier for compliance officers and the police to identify what type of licence a driver holds and to take action against drivers who are working in areas and at taxi ranks they are not licensed for.

If any driver is witnessed plying for hire outside of his or her licence area this should be reported to TPH. Under no circumstances should any driver confront a colleague regarding their actions. Confronting a driver has been made an offence by TPH which can mean loss of licence by the one doing the confronting! Just report what you have seen if you believe an offence has taken place.

If you do not receive your identifiers by the end of the above periods please contact TPH (PCO) on 0845 602 7000 or by emailing tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk

Hammersmith flyover to reopen for cars and light traffic as vital repair works continue

Flyover to reopen one lane in either direction for cars, vans and other light traffic

TfL continues to work round the clock to reopen bridge to all traffic over the next four months

Drivers advised to continue to plan routes carefully and avoid area if possible

Transport for London (TfL) have re-open one lane in each direction of the Hammersmith Flyover to cars, vans and other light vehicles, following confirmation from structural engineers and leading independent experts that the flyover is now safe to take light traffic.

One lane of light traffic will now be permitted in each direction, whilst work continues to strengthen key sections of the flyover. Traffic restrictions will be enforced by a 2.0m (6”6’) width restriction at either end of the flyover to prevent large vehicles such as HGVs and coaches from crossing.

The structural repair works, which TfL now expects to take around four months to complete, will focus on strengthening six of the 16 spans of the structure to ensure that they can carry full traffic loading by the Olympics.

The advice remains for motorists as this work takes place that as the flyover is not fully open they should consider avoiding the area if possible. Transport for London will have signage and traffic management measures in place to help reinforce that.

Once these repair works, which will see new cables installed within the structure to strengthen the flyover, are completed, TfL will be able to reopen the flyover to all traffic, well ahead of the London 2012 Games.

Following the London 2012 Games, TfL will return to the structure to strengthen the remaining ten spans of the flyover, as well as carry out additional work to re-waterproof the entire road deck to complete the permanent repair. This work is expected to take place in a way that will allow as much traffic as possible to use the flyover during the works.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “I made it very clear the Hammersmith Flyover should not be closed for one minute longer than it has to be and this partial reopening will provide some relief for the thousands of motorists and local people whose lives have been disrupted. I can assure those people that I will ensure the team continues to work tirelessly in order to get this vital structure fully operational as soon as possible.”

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport at TfL said “Our engineers, contractors and suppliers have worked day and night during the Christmas period and beyond to enable us to partially reopen the flyover as quickly as possible. This should significantly reduce the traffic disruption many thousands of drivers have been experiencing since the flyover closed, and means that work to fully reopen the flyover will be completed well before the London 2012 Games.”

Ed; That's ok then, we will have it opened for the Olympics and closed again soon afterwards! It will end up being another Albert Bridge - closed for a year or two ...

Here's a Tip: Why Not Walk?

Flora – a taxi for the butter boys!

I can never understand the lengths some taxi drivers will go to either earn a little bit extra or pay out to hire a cab with negative advertising!

Could you imagine London Buses displaying such adverts as the one pictured above?

I would refuse to drive any cab which told people to walk. Whatever next! Will we be advising passengers to take a mini-cab or Pedicab?

Mayor hails new measures in 2012 to deliver cleaner air for London

Changes to Low Emission Zone will double reduction of harmful PM10 pollution

Capital's first vehicle age limits for licensed taxi-cabs and private hire

New campaign in early January to curb engine idling across the capital

A package of measures to improve air quality in the capital will launch in January 2012 to cut harmful pollution coming from road transport, benefit Londoners' health and clean up the city ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new initiatives, stemming from the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy and delivered by Transport for London, will deter some of the oldest and most polluting vehicles from driving in the capital through changes to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and reforms to taxi licensing standards. Leading health organisations including Asthma UK, the British Lung Foundation and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have voiced their support for the changes.

Research commissioned by the Mayor's office has suggested that poor air quality contributes to an equivalent of around 4,300 premature deaths in London annually, with many people, especially children and older people, having their quality of life adversely impacted by it. Londoners also identify improving air quality as one of their environmental priorities. Implementing the measures in the Mayor's strategy is expected to reduce PM10 emissions (tiny airborne particles generated principally by road transport) in central London by about a third by 2015, compared to 2008 levels. These new measures will play a significant role in the delivery of these targets.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “From January we are ushering in even higher environmental standards to curb pollution and ensure fresher, healthier air for all. Delivering cleaner air is key to my goal of creating a better quality of life for Londoners. 2012 is also an historic year during which the eyes of the world will turn to London and I want people to experience a cleaner, greener city before, during and after the Games.”

The measures being introduced in January are:

The current Low Emission Zone has been successful in delivering significant reductions in harmful vehicle emissions by encouraging the oldest, most polluting lorries, buses and coaches driving into London to clean up their emissions. From 3 January 2012, larger vans and minibuses will have to meet Low Emission Zone standards for the first time, meaning only cleaner vehicles of this type that meet the Euro 3 emissions standard for particulate matter can drive within Greater London without their owners paying a £100 daily charge or risking a £500 fine. Transport for London figures show that an estimated 94 per cent of the vehicles that will be affected for the first time already meet the new standards;

In addition, vehicles already affected by the Low Emission Zone – lorries, buses and coaches – will now have to meet stricter emissions standards. These vehicles will need to meet a Euro IV standard for particulate matter to drive within Greater London without their owners paying a £200 daily charge or risking a £1,000 fine;

It is expected that collectively these changes to the Low Emission Zone will broadly double the initiative's current impact on PM10 emissions. Introducing LEZ standards for larger vans and minibuses is estimated to remove around 80 tonnes of PM10 from the air from 2011 to 2015 which is equivalent to giving children with chest complaints over 12,000 days free from suffering symptoms and adults almost 18,000 days;

The introduction of London's first ever age limit on black cabs from 1 January 2012: this will mean the oldest and most polluting vehicles will no longer be licensed, affecting any vehicle over 15 years old. It is estimated this will affect around 2600 cabs in 2012, around a tenth of the total fleet. The age limit will be introduced on a rolling basis throughout the year as affected taxi licence plates expire. A new taxi emits around 20 times less PM than a 15 year old taxi;

From 1 January, a 10-year age limit for licensed private hire vehicles will also apply to licensed operators;

The launch of a no-idling campaign in early January: drivers of all vehicles in London including coaches and buses, will be encouraged to do their bit by turning off their engines when stationary, reducing the amount of unnecessary and harmful exhaust fumes emitted. Turning off an engine and restarting it after a minute or longer causes less pollution than keeping the engine idling and uses less fuel.

Larger vans and minibuses were originally due to be included in the Low Emission Zone from 4 October 2010. However, following public consultation, the Mayor decided to defer the introduction in tough economic times to give the owners and operators of the estimated 70,000 non-compliant vehicles, many of which are smaller businesses and charities, more time to make the necessary changes. There is a range of ways vehicle owners can meet the standards. For many, fitting a filter to their vehicle may be the best option whilst many newer second hand vehicles will also meet the standards. The Mayor has also worked with a range of major manufacturers to secure significant discounts when purchasing new vehicles.

Nick Fairholme, TfL’s Director of Congestion Charging and Traffic Enforcement, said: “The existing Low Emission Zone is delivering significant improvements in air quality to the benefit of Londoners' health. The new standards introduced in January are vital to our continued efforts to tackle pollution. The vast majority of owners and organisations have taken steps to prepare. Transport for London has a team of people in place to provide practical advice to anyone who remains concerned about how these new standards will impact them."

Organisations including the British Lung Foundation, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Asthma UK are supporting the new initiatives.

Neil Churchill, Chief Executive at Asthma UK, says: “Two thirds (66 per cent) of people with asthma have told us that traffic fumes make their asthma worse and 42 per cent are discouraged from walking or shopping in congested areas because of the effects of traffic fumes, so we know the detrimental impact air pollution can have on the health and quality of life of people with asthma. We welcome the continued commitment to tackling this problem and look forward to further initiatives from the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy which will protect Londoners from harmful air pollution.”

Professor Sir Malcolm Green, spokesperson for the British Lung Foundation said: “Reducing further the levels of air pollution will benefit those living with respiratory disease whose symptoms may be worsened by inhaled pollution. It will also improve the respiratory health of all people living in London. Everybody’s lungs can be affected by sustained exposure to air pollution, so this move is a welcome development.”

Dr Helena Johnson, Chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: “Air pollution exacerbates symptoms for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, making their lives extremely difficult. Physiotherapists treat thousands of patients with those conditions each year, so we warmly welcome any measures designed to give people cleaner air to breathe.

“Our Move for Health campaign encourages people to get more exercise into their daily routine. If people follow this advice and hit the streets to walk, run or cycle it is important that we provide them with cleaner air in which to do so.”

TfL continues to urge those affected vehicle operators to take action to ensure their vehicles meet the new LEZ standards. TfL would much prefer operators to meet the LEZ standards rather than pay the daily charge or risk a penalty. Vehicle owners can check online at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon or ring a dedicated call centre on 0845 607 0009 to check whether their vehicle meets the emissions standards and find advice on what steps they can take to make their vehicle compliant.

Owners and operators of affected vehicles have a range of options available to them to ensure they comply with the scheme including:

Fitting an approved filter to the vehicle to improve the emissions;

Purchasing a newer vehicle that meets the required emissions standards. For some operators, particularly van and minibus operators, buying a second hand vehicle and trading in their old vehicle will be the most cost effective way of meeting the standards; Reorganising a fleet so that only vehicles which meet the required emissions standards drive within the LEZ;

Leasing a vehicle that meets the standards.

This air quality package is part of a comprehensive set of long-term sustainable measures being introduced by the Mayor to tackle the biggest sources of pollution. In addition, there is record levels of investment being ploughed into zero-emission cycling, a fleet of 300 hybrid buses will be operational by the end of 2012; a zero-polluting hydrogen bus route operating through central London; supporting the uptake of electric vehicles through the Source London charging network and membership scheme.

Areas of London where extra help is needed to tackle higher levels of PM10 are also being targeted with local measures such as green infrastructure (trees, planted towers and walls) and dust suppressant technology. The New Bus for London, entering service in February, will also emit under half the CO2 and NOx of a traditional diesel vehicle.

Racist Or Stupid - Diane Abbott Blackens the good name of the London taxi-trade

London’s taxi-drivers good name was blackened by racist remarks tweeted by Diana Abbott, at the same time as her remarks which hit the headlines; “white people love playing divide and rule” during the first week of 2012. Her other tweet - “Dubious of black people claiming they’ve never experienced racism. Ever tried hailing a taxi I always wonder?” This has angered London’s taxi-drivers; many of them from all backgrounds including Asian, Afro-Caribbean, whites, Jewish, male, female, lesbians and gays!

Diane Abbott, the first elected black MP, has been a Member of Parliament since 1987 and is MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

The LTDA spokesperson Steve McNamara, said Miss Abbott was either “racist” or “stupid” and should resign.

He added that he had personally picked up Miss Abbott about 15 years ago and taken her to “a rather trendy mews development” in Stoke Newington.

“We find it amazing that in this day and age someone in Diane Abbott’s position can try to resurrect the stereotypes from the 1960s. At worst she is racist and at best she is stupid in making comments like that. Either way, she should go.”

Steve McNamara went onto say “the ‘knowledge ‘training schools in which taxi drivers learn the routes around the capital are all equipped with prayer rooms, while a substantial proportion of the LTDA’s 9,000 members are from black, Muslim, and other ethnic minority backgrounds.”

Steve claims the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, is too “frightened” to sack Miss Abbott. “She is a high profile black woman and he is obviously weak,” he said. “It shouldn’t matter what colour you are, if you make these stupid and crass comments you should go.”

Most taxi-drivers are only too happy to take anyone’s money regardless of race or creed. At certain times however, regardless of ethnicity, some passengers will find difficulty in getting a cab!

Our own Chairman Geoffrey Riesel commented on his Twitter page

One thing’s for sure, I bet Diana Abbott will find it increasingly difficult getting a taxi to stop after her remarks, and not because the colour of her skin either!

Read the full report

Emirates Air Line lands on iconic Tube map as first tower completed

First of three towers for UK’s first urban cable car completed

Emirates Air Line makes its debut on iconic Tube map

Construction provides boost to UK plc and pushes boundaries of innovation in manufacturing

The first steel tower which will enable the Emirates Air Line, the UK’s first urban cable car, to fly passengers across the Thames was completed today.

Stretching across the river Thames at a breath-taking height, the Emirates Air Line will give passengers stunning aerial views as they travel between the two terminals at Emirates Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks.

Located near the Emirates Royal Docks terminal, the North Intermediate Tower is the first of three soon-to-be iconic towers that has been fully erected. Standing at over 200 ft tall and weighing 270 tonnes the tower is the smallest of the three main towers. Over the coming months Londoners will see the two further white structures rise up to the skies with construction of all the towers scheduled to be completed by late spring 2012. Each tower will be made up of approximately 6,500 steel pieces that measure between 30 – 50mm with each steel block weighing approximately 30 tonnes on average. A complex helix like structure which has been specially designed for the inside of the tower by award-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, will provide the towers with the strength and stability needed to whisk up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction.

The completion of the first tower comes as the Emirates Air Line achieved another first - appearing on the internationally renowned London Underground Tube map. It is the first time in the Tube map’s 78 year history that a commercial brand has been able to put their name to a transport link and station as a result of a partnership with TfL. The Emirates Air Line can now be seen as a major new transport project that is “Under Construction”. The map also highlights how the new scheme will integrate into the wider transport network by providing an additional step free access interchange between the Jubilee line and the DLR – two key lines in east London.

The Tube map is considered a design classic with a format copied by virtually every major urban rail system in the world. The inclusion of the Emirates Air Line is a major milestone for international airline Emirates who have sponsored the scheme. The new addition marks the fulfilment of one of the agreed naming rights granted to Emirates as part of the 10 year £36m sponsorship deal it struck with the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL).

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The Emirates Air Line is a vital part of the regeneration of East London, providing a much needed river crossing in this part of the capital. Investment in infrastructure such as this is essential for London's economic recovery, generating jobs and showing to the world that this city is looking to the future with vision and confidence. It is also showing off the ingenuity of the UK firms that are crafting these magnificent towers.

"I am thrilled with the rapid progress of the Emirates Air Line and its inclusion on the iconic Tube map will whet the appetites of those, including me, who cannot wait until the day they can board this new transport link next year.”

The first tower was built within days of its steel pieces being delivered to site. Every piece is being crafted in the UK by Bolton based steel manufacturer Watson Steel, providing a real boost to UK plc. Over half of the two hundred employees at the factory are dedicated to this project and will continue to be until the last piece is manufactured in spring 2012.

Innovation has been at the heart of the design and construction of the Emirates Air Line with the latest methods and technologies used to create this unique addition to London’s transport network. Watson Steel planners took the design for each of the towers and using cutting-edge 3D modelling created the measurements for each piece. This intricate modelling saw designs for each part drawn to within a millimetre to ensure every piece fit together like a jigsaw. Watson Steel is the only factory in the UK using this technology taken from advancements on its other previous projects which include the Emirates Stadium and the Arcelor Mittal tower.

Danny Price, TfL Emirates Air Line Operations Manager, said: “The completion of the first tower for the Emirates Air Line is a major milestone in the project and helps everyone to visualise how unique and exciting London’s new travel experience will be. I look forward to seeing the other graceful towers rise up over the next few months. It’s a great source of pride that this crucial job is being carried out in the UK, providing a brilliant example of the best of British manufacturing.”

The Emirates Air Line will provide a new river crossing for east London, a key objective for the Mayor to help unlock further the economic potential of this part of the Capital. The scheme supports the Mayor’s vision to transform this area into a bustling metropolitan quarter with new businesses, homes and job opportunities. It will also draw tourists from across the globe adding to the ongoing regeneration of east London.

The new transport initiative will also directly link the O2 – Europe’s biggest entertainment venue – and the ExCeL – Europe’s biggest conferencing venue.

Bumper Christmas for Barclays Cycle Hire

The Mayor’s flagship Barclays Cycle Hire scheme proved to be one of the best ways of getting around the capital on Christmas Day.

Almost 18,000 journeys were made between the 400 docking stations located around the central London zone on Christmas Day, which was more than a 300 per cent rise on the previous year.

More than 145,000 people are now Barclays Cycle Hire members and next year the scheme will become even more widely accessible as it expands east with the launch of Phase 2 in the spring.

The expanded Barclays Cycle Hire area will feature around 8,000 hire bikes available from 14,400 docking points and will cover 65km² of the capital - from Westfield White City in the west to Bethnal Green, Canary Wharf, Mile End, Poplar and Bow in the east – taking in all of the Borough of Tower Hamlets as well as north Shoreditch in the London Borough of Hackney.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Director of Environment, said: “Pedal power would have been the perfect way to burn off a couple of mince pies on Christmas Day and the thousands of journeys that were made on our wonderful blue bikes are yet another example of the enthusiasm Londoners have shown for the Mayor’s scheme. With a massive expansion of the scheme to the east of the city in 2012 we will be making it even easier for thousands more Londoners to take to two wheels.”

Major crackdown on dangerous Pedicabs in central London

Mayor launches major joint campaign to keep travelling public safe

Police crackdown on dangerous behaviour and unsafe pedicabs

A new get-tough approach to Pedicabs in central London has been set out by the Mayor of London. This includes a public awareness campaign in the New Year to inform the public of the potential risks of travelling in Pedicabs and a programme of increased police enforcement to tackle dangerous Pedicab riders who obstruct highways and ride recklessly.

The announcement follows a new and highly successful enforcement initiative during the autumn, which formed part of a joint safety crackdown organised by TfL, the Metropolitan Police and Westminster Council.

Pedicabs are not licensed or regulated and can cause serious disruption to road users in central London. They are often unroadworthy and uninsured, riders often disobey road rules, putting the public at risk and there is no requirement for their riders to have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

The Metropolitan Police have used their powers under existing legislation to carry out a number of new enforcement operations to deal with dangerous or obstructive Pedicabs and their riders. The night-time operations, which ran in the West End throughout October, November and December, involved officers taking actions against Pedicab riders who were endangering themselves or others with their behaviour, including obstructing the footway, riding in an inconsiderate or reckless manner, cycling on the footway, causing congestion and who were riding Pedicabs which are unsafe, dangerous or unroadworthy.

As well as 35 arrests, 35 Pedicabs have been impounded, a further 198 Pedicab riders were issued with a formal warning and 19 riders were issued with a fixed penalty notice for offences. Officers from the West End and Chinatown Safer Neighbourhood Team and the TfL funded MPS Safer Transport Command took part in the operation. A series of further enforcement operations will be carried out across central London in the New Year, further bearing down on those who pose a risk to Londoners and visitors to the city.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Unregulated rickshaw riders who block the streets and ride recklessly through the West End in unroadworthy vehicles pose a real danger both to passengers and to other road users. We are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated and we are taking firm action to ensure we keep Londoners and visitors safe."

Cllr Lee Rowley, Cabinet Member for Transport at Westminster council, said: “Just a few Pedicabs blocking the road or travelling carelessly can have a huge effect on traffic congestion in the busiest part of London. We want the industry to improve its standards and have been working in recent months with Pedicab operators to do just that. We look forward to finding a lasting solution which will improve the heart of our city.”

Siwan Hayward, Deputy Director, Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing at TfL said: “Transport for London is working with the Metropolitan Police Service and other partners to step up the level of enforcement activity against those Pedicab riders who cause chaos in central London by not abiding by the rules of the road.

“Officers from the Safer Transport Command have been working with local Westminster teams to crack down on these unlawful riders who cause congestion on the roads by disrupting bus services and other traffic.”

Sgt Christian Ardron, leading the operation on behalf of West End and Chinatown Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "We work with many Pedicab operators who operate safely within the West End, this operation is all about tackling those riders who are flouting the rules and as a result are a danger to themselves, their passengers and other road users."

TfL to carry out a strategic review of the Kings Cross road network during 2012

TfL announce a strategic review of the Kings Cross Gyratory system to analyse possible restoration of two way traffic

Work to improve pedestrian environment at Kings Cross in advance of the London 2012 games, to begin during Christmas while traffic levels are lower

TfL has announced details of a strategic review of traffic movements through the Kings Cross area.

The review, which will begin in the spring of 2012, builds on previously agreed work to review traffic speeds through the area. The study will consider how all road users, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, travel along the TfL and local borough road network around Kings Cross.

The findings will enable an informed discussion regarding the future of the Kings Cross gyratory system and the aspiration to return it to two-way working. TfL intends to discuss the scope of this work with both Camden and Islington Councils in the New Year and will commence the study in the spring.

TfL has also now completed its initial review into the proposed Pedestrian Improvement schemes at three junctions outside Kings Cross station, in particular considering the location at the junction of York Way and Grays Inn Road where there was a fatal collision involving a cyclist in October.

The pedestrian improvement scheme has been developed and agreed with Camden Council following earlier reports by TfL identifying the need for enhancements at busy junctions around the station, helping pedestrians move more safely through the area.

The scheme, which will deliver wider pavements, reduced street clutter and new advanced stop lines for cyclists around Kings Cross station, has been reviewed to see if any further changes were possible prior to commencement of main construction in January.

Although there will be no significant changes to the original scheme in the short term, TfL will be further widening the approach to York Way junction to provide additional space for road users and cyclists through the junction. Work will begin during the Christmas period and TfL has committed to delivering the pedestrian improvements by April 2012, ahead of the London 2012 Games. However, TfL will include the York Way junction within its ongoing cycle safety junction review to identify, discuss and plan further improvements. Were any potential options to be identified which would benefit all road users, TfL would look to install these after the London 2012 games.

Work on these improvements will start during Christmas between 28 and 30 December, to take advantage of the reduced traffic flows during the festive period. TfL will be working on site 24 hours a day where possible and lane closures will be in place outside Kings Cross station while these works are carried out. When main works begin in January 2012, TfL will work overnight to deliver these improvements where possible to minimise disruption to people travelling through the area.

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: “Any fatal collision on the Capital’s roads is one too many and the Mayor and TfL are determined to work night and day to reduce that number.

“We will be working closely with all partners to carry out a strategic review of how traffic moves through the area. However, we have an important commitment to provide pedestrian improvements around Kings Cross station ahead of the London 2012 Games. Work will begin to deliver these during Christmas while we continue to investigate further changes at this location.”

Motorcycles to be allowed permanent access to bus lanes on TfL Road Network

Decision to allow motorcyclists permanent access to bus lanes confirms popular proposal in Mayor’s Transport Strategy will help smooth traffic flow and improve efficiency of transport network

Benefits include reduction in journey times and reduced CO2 emissions, without adversely affecting the safety of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that following two extensive trials, motorcycles will be able to drive in bus lanes on a permanent basis on the majority of the Capital’s Red Routes from 23 January 2012, helping to deliver a key strand of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy. TfL will now make a permanent traffic regulation order to reflect the decision.

Analysis from two 18 month trials has shown that allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes is popular, with an estimated 50,000 journeys a day now being made by motorcyclists in the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) bus lanes. This has helped contribute to achieving key Mayoral priorities to smooth traffic, cut CO2 across London and to improve journey time reliability for motorcyclists on the network.

The second London-wide trial, scheduled to end on 23 January 2012, builds on an initial trial that took place between January 2009 and June 2010. The first trial produced a large level of detail about the behaviour of motorcyclists in bus lanes. This information was used to shape the second trial, which included increased enforcement against motorcyclists speeding and a road safety marketing campaign designed to address issues identified in the first trial.

An independent review of the second trial analysed a wide range of data to help understand the impact of the measures introduced following the first trial and collision rates (calculated by comparing the volume of journeys against the number of collisions). The review also analysed the longer-term impact by assessing changes in collision rates between the second trial and the period before motorcyclists were allowed into bus lanes.

The key findings of the review include the fact that:

Collision rates in bus lanes in the second trial decreased by 5.8 per cent for motorcyclists and by 8.5 per cent for cyclists when compared with the first trial.

When comparing the second trial with the period before motorcyclists were permitted access to bus lanes, there was a significant (11.6 per cent) decline in overall cycling collision rates in bus lanes and no significant change in collision rates in bus lanes affecting motorcyclists or pedestrians.

As part of the second trial, TfL increased enforcement of bus lanes on the TLRN through daily patrols by the Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Tasking Team. Between August 2010 and December 2011, the team spent almost 1,400 hours carrying out additional enforcement specifically at locations with a high collision history involving motorcycles. In line with this increased enforcement, the average speed for motorcyclists in bus lanes reduced by 6.5 per cent during the trial, with the proportion of motorcyclists exceeding the speed limit decreasing by one fifth (51 per cent in September 2010 down to 41 per cent in September 2011). Enforcement and road safety educational activity aimed at encouraging responsible and safe motorcycling in bus lanes will continue in future.

Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Better Routes and Places, said:
“The results of our latest trial show that the Mayor’s policy of providing access to bus lanes along some of the busiest roads in London has delivered strong benefits for motorcyclists and in terms of improving the efficiency of the road network. The two trials have shown reduced journey times and environmental benefits with no significant safety issues thrown up for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.

“The additional enforcement measures we introduced have also helped reduce average speeds for riders in bus lanes, delivering benefits for all road users in London. This is an important measure which has proved popular with motorcyclists across the Capital.”

Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) said: “Industry strongly welcomes TfL’s decision. Allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes sends a clear message to road users that motorcycling helps to reduce commuter journey times, traffic congestion and CO2.

“Like cyclists, motorcycle users face vulnerabilities which bus lane use helps to mitigate and we support TfL’s recognition of motorcycling as part of the Mayor’s strategy to smooth traffic flow and reduce CO2.”

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