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Smoothing traffic flow

We work closely with the transport industry to make traffic in London flow more smoothly.

Smoothing traffic flow will mean less stop-start traffic, more predictable journey times and fewer obstacles for pedestrians. It is not about reducing journey times, but about better journey time predictability and reliability.

Many factors can affect traffic flow in London, including unplanned disruptions such as breakdowns and road works, and higher than normal traffic volumes.

What we're doing

Our Smoothing Traffic Flow strategy is part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy.

A detailed leaflet outlines the programmes in place to smooth traffic flow in London.

Managing London's Road Network Better leaflet (PDF 3.89KB)

We meet with the transport industry once a year to tackle issues around the road network.

In 2011, we developed our first Network Operating Strategy (NOS) to create a blueprint for managing and operating the Capital's roads.

See more on the draft NOS

Roadworks Code of Conduct

The Mayor's office, highway authorities (including TfL) and utility companies have signed up to a Code of Conduct to minimise disruption from roadworks.

The Code promotes positive working practices such as information sharing between authorities.

Mayor's Code of Conduct for Roadworks

Traffic signals

As the traffic authority for London, we're responsible for operating some 6,000 sets of traffic lights.

We're working with boroughs and stakeholders on a variety of initiatives to help smooth traffic flow in the Capital, including Pedestrian Countdown at signals.

Signal timing reviews

Since 2009, we've reviewed more than 2,000 traffic lights across London. This work has helped us reduce traffic delays at these signals by seven per cent.

These improvements have been achieved with no negative effect to pedestrians.

A further 1,000 signals were reviewed during 2011/12 while a total of 6,000 traffic signal reviews will be complete by 2015.

We'll review and report on timings annually until 2015 to make sure signals are operating in the best possible way.

Traffic signal removal

In June 2010, we published our first list of traffic signal sites to be considered for removal. The list is updated regularly to show which sites have already been removed and which sites are under review.

Download the updated list - where traffic signals may be removed (PDF 90KB)