RTF

The UK must invest £30bn over the next 20 years to improve London’s road and street network, according to a new report by Mayor Boris Johnson’s Road Task Force (RTF).

The RTF has set out a vision and proposed a long-term investment plan to enhance the performance of the road network and improve public space to support jobs, new homes and ‘liveability’ in the capital.

Over the past year, the RTF has examined the hurdles faced on London’s roads, as well as examples of street management and urban design worldwide.

The RTF’s new approach includes a ‘world-class public realm’, re-imagined iconic streets and places, roofing over major roads to enhance travel, improved use of intelligent systems and technology to ease traffic flow, and enhanced road links and connectivity, including new river crossings.

The RTF report, ‘The vision and direction for London’s streets and roads’, also recommended tolls for new infrastructure, new capacity for sustainable modes, such as bridges for walking and cycling, more dedicated lanes and more area-wide 20mph zones to improve safety.

Among other recommendations in the report are high levels of accessibility across transport modes, quality parking, for cars, bikes, Blue Badge holders and powered two wheelers, and village-style streets in new developments, with improved access for buses, walking, cycling and freight and ‘car-lite’ development.

"The RTF has examined the hurdles faced on London’s roads, as well as the examples of street management and urban design worldwide."

The report also suggested new studies to investigate the potential for tolled road tunnels to replace surface capacity, for an efficient and reliable strategic road network.

Mayor Boris Johnson said that the new report is in tune with the 2020 Vision, the plans on cycling, and for investment in London’s roads and streets.

"For this great city to retain its global pre-eminence, it is essential we continue to invest and have the courage and vision to develop and drive forward innovative solutions.

"This is a fantastic contribution and I look forward to working with partners, including those represented on the RTF, in taking many of these ideas forward," Johnson added.

The proposed investment should be delivered through Transport for London (TfL), boroughs, central government, developers and other stakeholders working collaboratively.

Image: The RTF’s report suggested new studies to investigate the potential for tolled road tunnels to replace surface capacity, for an efficient and reliable strategic road network. Photo: courtesy of Transport for London.