Press Release

Preparing London's transport systems for climate change
30-9-2005   473

The Deputy Mayor of London Nicky Gavron and the Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership Gerry Acher today (30th September) launched a new report on the effects of climate change on London’s transport systems.

The London Climate Change Partnership report ‘Climate change and London’s transport systems’ looks at the challenges faced by London’s transport systems from climate change, what is already being done to address these changes and further actions for consideration.

The report provides four case studies; tidal and river flooding affecting new infrastructure in the Thames Gateway; local flooding of transport infrastructure ; damage to national rail and road infrastructure from hot weather; and passenger comfort on the London Underground in hot weather.

The report recommends a number of key actions to ensure that London is better prepared for the risks arising from climate change. It advises that new infrastructure, rolling stock and vehicles should be designed for the climate they will experience in their lifetime; suggests a review of existing infrastructure should be carried out to determine the risks posed by climate change; and that research into how weather affects public choice of what transport mode they use should be carried out.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: ‘Climate change is the issue no one can ignore and we have a responsibility to Londoners to plan for the consequences of climate change. London’s transport system, which sees 26 million trips made each day is critical to London functioning as a major world city. I welcome this report which shows that significant work is already being done to prepare London’s transport systems for changes in weather and demonstrates that further work and research must continue.’

Gerry Acher, Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership said: ‘The London Climate Change Partnership is committed to helping London prepare for the inevitable challenges that climate change presents. This report targets where London’s transport systems are presently exposed to climate change, where this issue is already being addressed and prioritises further action. I am pleased that these issues are being taken seriously by transport planners and managers and the Partnership looks forward to working with them on progressing solutions to ensure that London remains a vibrant place top live and do business in.’

The report details the effects of climate change in London. It will mean warmer, wetter winters, more intense downpours of rain, hotter drier summers with more frequent and extreme high temperatures, sea level will continue to rise further with an increased risk of tidal surges. By the 2050’s London is expected to experience 20 percent more winter rainfall and an increase in summer temperatures of up to 3.5 C.

Notes to Editors

1. The London Climate Change Partnership was set up in 2001 to help ensure that London is prepared to deal with the changes that climate change is bringing to London. The Partnership is working with local and regional government, the financial sector, utility companies and developers to ensure that businesses, homes and infrastructure are planned, designed and managed for the climate of tomorrow. 
2. Atkins Consultants carried out the research for this report. The London Climate Change Partnership produced the report in partnership with London’s key transport decision makers. Officers from Transport for London and other transport organisations have been represented on the group steering the study.
3. Gerry Acher CBE LVO is the Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership and is a non -executive director of BPB plc and Deputy Chairman of Camelot Group plc.
4. The London Climate Change Partnership was set up in 2001 and aims to help ensure that London is prepared for climate change. It is lead by the Greater London Authority and comprises a number of public, private and voluntary sector organisations working together. These include: Government Office for London, the Environment Agency, Thames Water plc, the Association of British Insurers, the Corporation of London, the Association of London Government, the London Sustainability Exchange, the London Development Agency, Transport for London, Thames Gateway London Partnership and the Housing Corporation. Further information about the LCCP is available at: http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/sustainable-development/susdevcomm_climatechange.jsp  Other appropriate organisations are welcome to join the Partnership: please contact: Matthew.Chell@london.gov.uk
5. Major cities from across the world, are meeting in London from Monday 3rd October to Wednesday 5th October to discuss climate change at the World Cities Leadership Climate Change Summit organised by the Mayor of London at City Hall. For further media information please call the Mayor’s press office on 020 7983 4755.
6. The London Climate Change Partnership launched a checklist for developers called ‘Adapting to Climate Change: A Checklist for Development’. The consultation document suggests ways for developers and their design teams to modify building designs to cope with the weather changes associated with climate change.   The checklist has been developed by the London Climate Change Partnership together with the South East Climate Change Partnership and the East of England Sustainable Development Roundtable. Copies  can be found  at www.london.gov.uk/mayor/sustainable-development/susdevcomm_climatechange.jsp or at www.go-london.gov.uk/sustainable_development/checklist.asp
7. In 2002 the London Climate Change Partnership produced the report ‘London’s Warming: the impacts of climate change on London’ copies are available at www.london.gov.uk/gla/publications/environment.jsp - climate

For media enquiries please call Nicola Dillon in the Mayor’s Press Office on 020 7983 4755.

For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000.
For non-media enquiries please call the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.

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