Caroline Russell AM launches report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London

Caroline Russell AM launches report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London

Green Party member of the London Assembly, Caroline Russell, today published her report: Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London. [1]

It contains recommendations for Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero Action Plan 2, to be published later this year.

The first Vision Zero Action Plan was produced by the Mayor and TfL in 2018, with actions to ensure: “no one to be killed in or by a London bus by 2030, and for all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions to be eliminated from London’s streets by 2041.” [2]

Yet, at a TfL Board meeting in June 2025, the TfL Commissioner stated: “significant acceleration is needed to meet the 2041 Vision Zero ambition.” [3]

Caroline’s report looks at the widespread acceptance of cars dominating our public realm and shares ideas for big changes to achieve Vision Zero. These cover street design, communication and legislation.

Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell said:

“Collisions, never ‘accidents’, happen daily. They happen when people make mistakes. The problem is that when a driver loses control at the wheel through fatigue, distraction or even recklessness, people walking, crossing the road or travelling on a bike or in another vehicle can be harmed.

“My report calls on TfL – and outlines proposals – to ensure our streets are properly inclusive, safe and convenient for everyone to use. At a time when practical measures to reduce danger are all too often framed as ‘anti-driver’ rather than as helpful interventions to ensure everyone gets home safely from work or school or a trip to the shops, TfL must address the polarisation of debate about measures to reduce danger on our streets.

“The Mayor and TfL need to lead a big conversation about how every Londoner can play their part in cutting miles driven, injuries sustained, and lives lost on London’s roads each day.

“I want to hear Londoners’ ideas about ending road danger where they live, so I can share them with TfL while Vision Zero Action Plan 2 is being drafted.” 

Caroline Russell will be hosting a roundtable participatory event at City Hall (Wednesday 23 July 2025) to mark the launch of the report. Attendees will include campaigners, bereaved families, crash survivors, policy experts, representatives from TfL and academics.