Over half of Londoners think councils prefer improving roads for drivers over safety of cyclists and pedestrians, as majority call for more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph limits, new study finds

A new road safety survey has found that 70 per cent of Londoners believe more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods or liveable streets schemes should be introduced in the capital, while 60 per cent think that all roads throughout the city should have a 20mph speed limit.

Meanwhile, over half of the London residents surveyed agreed that local councils prefer improving infrastructure for motorists over increasing safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users, while 88 per cent feel that cycle lanes should be compulsory when one is available.

The survey, which appears to have touched upon every cycling-related hot button issue of the past few years, was carried out as part of Cyclomedia’s 2024 Urban Road Safety Index, which sought the views of 11,982 people across 32 European cities.

The index, established to ascertain the success of the EU’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050 and now in its third year, aims to examine transport trends and road safety opinions across Europe, including perceptions of safety, active travel, and road laws.

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According to the study, in London, where 1,035 people were surveyed, road safety perceptions are very positive compared to other European cities.

In fact, London came on top out of all 32 cities included in in the index when it comes to residents’ belief that local authorities do enough to improve road safety in their city, with 72 per cent of Londoners agreeing that they do. In contrast, only 28 per cent of Rome’s residents agreed that the Eternal City’s management was intent on improving road safety.

Meanwhile, 75 per cent of London respondents would also recommend moving to the capital in terms of road safety, and 72 per cent believe that its cycle lanes are safe, ranking London second on that particular bike lane metric behind Helsinki.

However, London – where the fourth cyclist was killed in 2024 on the capital’s roads earlier this week – came tenth out of the 32 cities when measured on safety overall, with a still high 80 per cent saying they “feel safe in traffic”.

When it comes to particular aspects of road safety, and what could be done to improve it in London, the top answer for respondents was notably “better separation between road, cycle, and bus lanes”, with 54 per cent of those surveyed calling for greater protection for vulnerable road users.

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Despite the overall positivity of other aspects of the survey, 53 per cent of Londoners also agreed that the city’s local councils prefer spending money on infrastructure designed for motorists over improving the safety of other road users.

Over half (51 per cent) also felt that road safety is getting worse because London is currently not equipped for new forms of urban transportation, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes.

76 per cent, meanwhile, agreed that e-bikes should be treated the same as mopeds, with riders forced to take out tax and insurance and display a number plate, and 88 per cent argued that cyclists should be forced to use a cycle lane when one is available (thought the exact character of that cycle lane was not specified).

And finally, away from the kind of debates common in the Daily Mail or Telegraph (or in parliament) about cycle lanes and number plates, the survey also showed that most Londoners are keen for more traffic calming and safety measures to be introduced in the capital, with 70 per cent showing support for a further roll-out of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, while 60 per cent called for a blanket 20mph speed limit in the city.

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“It’s encouraging to see Londoners want safer streets with more LTNs and 20mph limits but many still have concerns about worsening road safety, due to inadequate infrastructure for new types of transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters,” Cyclomedia’s Elizabeth Evans said in a statement announcing the 2024 index’s publication.

 “The survey showed that the growing number of e-bikes, which often travel at speed, is of major concern, with citizens feeling they should fall under the same legislation as mopeds or motorbikes. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods remain a contentious topic across London, but while there is opposition, it appears the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most residents in the capital.”

She continued: “With many different modes of active travel competing for space with vehicles, local authorities need new ways of understanding and planning for the competing demands on the road, pavement and kerbside environment, so the safety of all can be considered.

 “The great news is that London came top in Europe when residents were asked if authorities are doing enough to improve road safety. This is really encouraging as it demonstrates that councils are fully committed to making positive changes and improving road safety for everyone.”

> More than 30 new low traffic neighbourhoods could be implemented in London as LTNs remain “key” to improving public health by encouraging active travel

With support for low traffic neighbourhoods – an all-too-common feature of the ‘culture war’ narrative between active travel activists and motorists perpetuated by certain sections of the media – seemingly high among Londoners, it’s timely then that in July London mayor Sadiq Khan reiterated his support for the traffic calming schemes.

Funding for over 30 new LTNs was made available to councils by Transport for London just over a month ago as part of its annual progress report on Khan’s long-term strategy to have 80 per cent of journeys walked, cycled, or made by public transport in the capital by 2041.

According to TfL, LTNs remain central to the city’s cycle lane expansion, and form a “key part of the Healthy Streets approach [as] we continue to support boroughs’ implementation of schemes with both funding and technical support”.

Research published last year by TfL found LTNs introduced since 2020 had 50 per cent fewer road casualties and 74 per cent less traffic compared to other parts of London.