TfL Delays Second Phase of Vision Zero Road Safety Plan Until 2026

Transport for London (TfL) has pushed back the release of its updated Vision Zero Action Plan, which sets out measures to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s roads by 2041.

The second phase of the strategy, originally expected later this year, will now be published in early 2026, according to correspondence shared with London Assembly members and reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

TfL’s first Vision Zero Action Plan, launched in 2018, committed to ensuring no fatalities on or by London buses by 2030, and to eradicating all road deaths and serious injuries by 2041. Officials had previously indicated a 2025 update would provide “clear direction” on accelerating progress.

TfL Commissioner Andy Lord has acknowledged that a “significant acceleration” is needed if London is to meet its 2041 target. While the delay has drawn criticism, TfL said it needs to finalise its wider Business Plan this December before setting out new, evidence-based safety measures.

In the meantime, TfL is pressing ahead with road safety projects at Streatham Hill, Lambeth Bridge and Shepherd’s Bush, introducing safer buses and retrofitting older models, as well as running behaviour-change campaigns and training initiatives.

Officials highlighted progress since Vision Zero began, with 24% fewer people killed or seriously injured in London in 2024 compared with the 2010-14 baseline, outperforming the national reduction of 13%. They also cited case studies from Helsinki and Oslo, where Vision Zero has been achieved, as evidence the target is possible.

However, campaigners say the delay is a setback. Caroline Russell, Green Party London Assembly Member, said:“Further delay is desperately disappointing, particularly for bereaved and injured Londoners who know why TfL needs to step up a gear. Our streets should be safe for every Londoner to cross the road, ride a bike or catch a bus and get home safely in the evening.”