Official Transport for London data shows the mayor’s transport agency expects traffic levels to rise across London, with levels on some east London roads projected to increase by as much as 50%.
Green party AM Darren Johnson says rises of this magnitude could see some Londoners spend as many as 40 days a year stuck in traffic jams and cause delays of “around 350 hours per week” to the city’s busiest routes.
Mr Johnson says the rise in traffic is the result of Mayor Boris Johnson’s pursuit of “pro-car policies” and a failure to encourage more drivers to abandon their cars and use public transport.
He commented: “Between 2000 and 2011 traffic reduced across London whilst the population and economy grew steadily so we know that more vehicles taking to the roads is not inevitable as London grows.”
“It is within the Mayor’s power to change his policies and stop the tide of traffic that threatens to engulf London, bringing it to a standstill with terrible consequences for the environment and the economy. Traffic jams are set to rob Londoners of 40 days every year by 2030 and this will have hugely negative impact on the city’s status as a good place to live and do business.
“Expanding the bus network, making fares cheaper, keeping a lid on parking and providing better cycling facilities are just some of the measures he can and must take to stop this catastrophe.”
The AM has published an interactive map showing the impact of rising road traffic levels on local roads and communities.
