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London ‘needs shovel-ready schemes’

London First

2 min read Partner content

The voice of London’s businesses has said work must start now on improving the capital’s road network.

The city’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, has announced a long-term investment in roads of at least £30bn over the next 20 years, delivered through TfL, boroughs, central government, developers and other stakeholders working collaboratively.

It has been described as “an overarching strategy for London's roads and streets to tackle congestion, support economic growth and transform walking and cycling”.

The ambitious plans include 19 road schemes supporting more than 300,000 jobs, new river crossings and support for new 'car-lite' developments with good public transport, walking and cycling links, and support London boroughs' revitalisation of high streets and town centres.

Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First, said:

“London’s roads are vital to businesses, which need reliable access to customers, supplies and staff.

“Bold ideas such as ‘flyunders’ and smarter road charging are common in other global cities and we encourage TfL to examine how they might now work in London.

“More immediately, London needs a prioritised list of shovel-ready schemes with a timetable for implementation.”

London's Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy, said:

“Delivering the vision requires major and sustained investment in London's road and public transport networks and we will continue to work with partners to make the case and develop innovative funding solutions.

"We'll now work with partners, including London's boroughs, to turn this vision into reality and deliver more reliable road journeys, safer, more attractive streets and town centres, and to transform the environment for walking and cycling.”