Road usage and infrastructure in London

This data analysis, produced by the London Assembly Research Unit, provides an overview of road usage and the infrastructure of roads across London. It brings together data on the structure and management of the road network, vehicle and bicycle use, congestion levels and journey purposes. The report also explores issues relating to road condition, pollution and travel behaviour. 

The information presented in the report is based on published data from a range of sources, including Department for Transport (DfT), Transport for London (TfL), London Datastore and the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

The analysis was undertaken in support of the London Assembly Transport Committee’s upcoming investigation into road space, driving and congestion in London. 

This page presents highlights from the report, with the full document available from the link below.

A-roads are key routes in London, marked with an 'A', that connect districts within the city and link to the national road network. Some, known as radial A-roads, run from the outer boroughs into central London. Others are orbital routes, such as the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205), which loop around the city centre to help traffic bypass the busiest central areas and lessen the strain on central routes.

A-roads in London

The Department for Transport (DfT) publishes data on the condition of roads, based on local authority assessments. The data shows that London roads are generally in a slightly worse condition than the national average, although there is variation between boroughs.

Proportion of major roads assessed as ‘Green’, ‘Amber’ or ‘Red’, 2024 (%)

Data from TfL provides information on TfL’s cycle hire scheme (Santander Cycles). Santander bicycle hires in London increased steadily from 2011, reaching a peak of more than 11 million in 2022 but Santander Cycle hires have declined in recent years. TfL’s Travel in London 2024 report suggests that private dockless cycle operators in London collectively supply four to five times more cycles than TfL’s Santander Cycle scheme.

Annual bicycle hires in the Santander Hire Scheme, 2011 - 2024 

TfL releases data on the number of taxi and private hire vehicles licensed for use in London. While taxi numbers have gradually reduced in recent years, private hire vehicles (also known as minicabs) have increased significantly.

Number of taxi and private hire vehicles licensed by TfL

The National Travel Survey found that in 2023, the most common purpose for travelling in London was for leisure, accounting for 25% of all trips, followed by commuting (18%), education or escort education (17%) and shopping (17%).

Proportion of trips per person by purpose, 2023

The Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims to reduce daily car trips by three million and cut car ownership in London by 250,000 by 2041. In 2023, car ownership levels varied across London. Outer London boroughs had the highest number of licensed cars while inner London boroughs had much lower totals.

Number of cars licensed across London boroughs, 2023 (in thousands)