London's buses have become 'more dangerous' under Mayor Sadiq Khan, with critics attributing a rise in collisions to the introduction of 20mph zones. Data shows 28,114 bus collisions occurred in 2023, compared to an average of 26,384 per year over the previous decade, despite a 7% drop in total bus journey distance since 2016/17.
Critics argue that 20mph zones, now covering over half of London's roads, cause bus drivers to fall behind schedule, prompting them to speed when possible to catch up. Neil Garratt, leader of the City Hall Conservatives, stated: 'Despite his many promises and strategy documents, the stark fact is that London's buses are getting more dangerous under mayor Khan.'
Transport for London (TfL) data reveals 61 people have died in bus accidents since 2016, casting doubt on Khan's Vision Zero project, which aims to eliminate bus-related deaths by 2030. Michael Liebreich, a former TfL board member, warned: 'People should be scared. We have a really unsafe system in London.'
TfL admitted it does not routinely share data on bus driver speeding, despite allegations of widespread violations. In 2016, TfL's largest bus contractor, Go Ahead, instructed drivers to maintain regular gaps between buses, facing potential fines of 10% of contract value for non-compliance.
