Transport in London and the implications for health.

This chapter describes the development of transport in London, and discusses the problems that its increasing traffic volume pose for the health of its 6.3M inhabitants. Despite extensive development of the London Underground railway system, cars began to become the dominant mode in the 1950s. Today, most of London's car traffic is for commuter journeys to or from work. The chapter discusses: (1) the London Area Transport Survey (LATS) and the Transport Prediction Model F3.3; (2) accident and casualty rate patterns in London; (3) air and noise pollution in London; (4) road safety plans, transport policies, and development plans formulated by the London Boroughs; (5) UK Government policies in London, including those for investment in public transport; and (6) the implications for London's health. New transport measures for London include: the London Bus Priority Network, Priority Red Routes, the London Cycle Network, and the low-floor bus and other new ways of improving mobility for disabled and elderly people. Road pricing has been studied as a possible approach to traffic relief in London, but more research is still needed. Strategies for London's transport and health include the London Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC) strategy, and some of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.