London Traffic and Road Safety

London is the commercial capital of England, and the UK, and with any capital you will have a road network to be aware of. London's traffic is managed by Transport for London and contains a congestion charge in the central locations.

Road safety to people using London roads is vital, with certain ratios of traffic collissions on a downward trend. However, with some modes of transport, there is an upward trend with regards to the number of accidents and fatalities being reported.

The data below shows the number of accidents reported in Greater London for Bicycles, Motor Cars, Commercial Vehicles and Pedistrians, with the 2010 year indicating an increase in the percentage of accidents increasing across the board, with road collissions:
Bicycles : Increasing 9.2%
Motor Cars : Increasing 4.4%
Commercial Vehicles : Increasing 4.4%
Pedestrians : increasing 3.5%

London statistical traffic data
Click image to enlarge


With 2010 now behind us, the next available statistics will be given by Transport for London in May 2012, and it is essential that road safety improves. 2010 was not a great year for London road users, but this can change with the proper education schemes the government are launching. Together, we can make a difference.

European visitors - Transport in London differences

With London being an truly contintental centre, there are very important differences you should be aware of when visiting London and you are from another country. The most important differences that the UK has:
Speed limits and distances are shown in miles and yards, not kilometres and metres.
Drive on the left side of the road.
If there is an emergency vehicle behind you with their lights flashing, pull over to the left of the road to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Stay safe on the London roads, and be aware of the differences in the regulations in the UK.

Below is a quick reference chart to show you the differences between the UK and the other countries in Europe, and remember, if you are in doubt, please ask one of the MET police officers.

Country Motorway / Highway Speed Limit km/h Urban area Speed Limit km/h Alcohol level permitted Seatbelts required Minimum age of child allowed in front seat Minimum drivers age Side of road to drive on
United Kingdom 112 48 0,08 All 17 Left
Albania 40 0 Right
Andorra 50 0,05 Front 10 18 Right
Austria 130 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Belarus 60 0 Front 12 18 Right
Belgium 120 50 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Bosnia and Herzegovina 120 60 0,03 Front 12 18 Right
Bulgaria 130 50 0,05 All 10 18 Right
Croatia 130 50 0 All 12 18 Right
Cyprus 100 50 0,05 All 12 18 Left
Czech Republic 130 50 0 All 18 Right
Denmark 130 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Estonia 110 50 0 All 18 Right
Finland 120 50 0,05 All 3 18 Right
France 130 (rain/wet 110) 50 0,05 All 10 18 * Right
Germany 50 0,05 All 18 * Right
Greece 120 50 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Hungary 130 50 0 All 12 17 Right
Iceland 50 0,05 All 14 17 Right
Ireland 120 50 0,08 All 17 Left
Italy 130 50 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Latvia 110 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Liechtenstein 50 0,08 All 18 Right
Lithuania 130 50 0,04 All 12 16 Right
Luxembourg 130 50 0,05 All 11 18 Right
Macedonia 130 60 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Malta 50 0,08 Front 11 18 Left
Moldova 60 0 All 12 18 Right
Monaco 50 0,05 10 18 Right
Montenegro 120 50 0,05 All 12 Right
Netherlands 120 50 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Norway 100 50 0,02 All 18 Right
Poland 140 50 0,02 All 18 Right
Portugal 120 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Romania 130 50 0 All 12 18 Right
Russia 110 60 0 All 12 18 Right
San Marino 50 0,08 All 12 18 Right
Serbia 120 60 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Slovakia 130 50 0 All 12 18 Right
Slovenia 130 50 0,05 All 12 18 Right
Spain 120 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Sweden 110 50 0,02 All 18 Right
Switzerland 120 50 0,05 All 18 Right
Turkey 120 50 0,05 All 10 18 Right
Ukraine 130 60 0 Right

Further reference charts of all countries

Office space in London proudly supports:
Think Road Safety  Road Safety Knowledge Centre  London Road Safety Unit

London Road Safety page is supported by:
The British Coffee Association provides advice for motorists on how coffee drinking can help overcome driver fatigue and boost alertness
Newmother.co.uk - The One Stop Family Website
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