London’s bus network to meet new ‘world-leading’ standard

TfL bus standard

Bus operators in London will have to incorporate technology such as advanced emergency braking on their vehicles by 2024, under plans unveiled by TfL.

The new Bus Safety Standard is designed to help deliver the mayor’s target of no-one being killed on or by a London bus by 2030.

Under the plans, all new London buses must include the following safety measures from 2019:

  • Technology that automatically limits the speed at which buses are able to travel
  • An audible alert for pedestrians and other road users of the presence of buses
  • Slip reduction measures inside buses such as high-grip flooring
  • More blindspot mirrors and reversing cameras
  • Special warning pedal indicators for drivers

In the longer term, the Bus Safety Standard will require London’s bus operators to incorporate new features such as advanced emergency braking, pedal confusion interventions and redesigned bus fronts that reduce the impact of a collision – all to be implemented by 2024.

Heidi Alexander, deputy mayor for transport, said:

“Our buses are an essential part of life in London, and the most commonly used form of public transport with 6.5m journeys made by Londoners every day.

“Although progress has been made making our buses safer, every single death or serious injury on our roads is unacceptable, and I’m delighted that London is leading the way across the world using technology to make buses safer for everyone on our roads.

“We’ve set ambitious targets to improve road safety, and Londoners will see noticeable and practical improvements to buses from next year, including better mirrors, audible alerts for pedestrians, and innovative designs to the inside of buses.”


 

29 November 2018