Transport for LondonPersonal security and road safety
Skip to navigation << Back to indexIn 2002/03, TfL implemented significant improvements to the safety and security of bus, taxi and private hire vehicle users. The Mayor's £25 million Transport Policing Initiative became fully operational on 20 key bus corridors when the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) established a new partnership between police officers, traffic wardens, police community support officers and civil staff. The unit focuses on improving the personal security of passengers on bus services and taxi/private hire vehicles. The Mayor's 2003/04 budget includes provision for a further £25 million for the establishment of Transport Policing and Enforcement Directorate (TPED), to enhance the work of the TOCU and concentrate all enforcement activities in one division.
Significant infrastructure improvements have been made to the London bus services including the implementation of new safety and security measures (eg Help Points at some bus stations and remote CCTV monitoring at a number of bus stands). The on-bus CCTV retrofit programme continued with 2,400 buses now fitted with cameras in 2002/03. TfL also continued to work alongside bus operating companies to raise the professionalism and safety awareness of front-line staff.
The TfL Public Carriage Office has continued its traditional role of licensing London's taxi drivers (including Criminal Record Bureau enhanced checks) and taxis (for mechanical soundness) so that taxis provide a safe and secure service for Londoners and visitors. The licensing of private hire operators (to ensure good record keeping and proper insurance) further builds up the safety of London's door to door services. It has also been continuing with the 'Safer Travel at Night' campaign.
TfL achieved good year-on-year progress in reducing road casualties. Compared with 2001/02, the number of killed and seriously injured (KSI) persons across key road user groups fell significantly, with Child KSI falling 11 per cent to 601, Pedal Cyclists falling 11 per cent to 409 and Pedestrian KSI falling 11 per cent to 1,529. Powered two-wheeler from 1,250 to 1,238. In total, all KSI fell eight per cent to 5,537.
In April 2002, a road safety campaign was launched that was aimed at young people between 11-14, the group that has the highest risk of being killed or injured as a result of being involved in a pedestrian road accident. The campaign is based around a series of eye-catching posters and a dynamic website (http://www.lscp.org.uk/).
During 2002, the London Road Safety Unit was formed to lead and coordinate road safety activities including delivery of the November 2001 London Road Safety Plan. The Plan provides for local safety works, support for Safer Routes to School schemes, safety campaigns, and measures to reduce speeding.
TfL worked closely with its partners in boroughs to achieve a London-wide programme aimed at reducing road casualties. In 2002/03, it funded a total of £24.5 million worth of local safety schemes including 20 mph zones and the Safer Routes to School initiative.
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