FOI - Reducing traffic in London [Mar 2023]

Your request 

The clear calculation which shows that we need to reduce traffic by 27%.

Thank you for the information you have kindly provided.

First, I believe that there is an error in the information you sent and I quote:

'Instructions for the calculation - Select the 'Transport' worksheet and:

• Sum the values: R198 to R201 (total car vkm in the accelerated green scenario in 2018: 21.7 billion km
• Sum the values: AD109 to AD201 (total car vkm in the accelerated green scenario in 2030): 15.9 billion km

The reduction in car vkm between 2018 and 2020 is 27%.

If I assume that 'AD109' should read 'AD198' then I get 27%, in round numbers.

This is merely two sets of numbers one of which is 27% less than the other.

Second, I believe that you have not shown how the numbers in the 'Transport' worksheet were derived in the first place, apart from a reference to a 'previous analysis' based on how quickly the vehicle fleet can electrify, combined with the Mayor's further requirements.

Our response

You are correct that 'AD109' should have read 'AD198'. Please accept our apologies for 
this error.

There is an explanation of the previous modelling that had been done on how quickly it is expected the vehicle fleet in London will electrify under the heading 'Low emission vehicle uptake' in section 2.2.3 of the report accompanying the analysis.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting 
reference MGLA070323-2071.