‘Dutch-style’ roundabouts could be seen in London

New ‘Dutch-style’ roundabouts and low-level cycle signals could be introduced in London as early as next year. 

Transport for London (TfL) has started a major cycle safety research project to trial new and innovative junction layouts and traffic technology that, if successful, could be introduced in London and potentially more widely across the UK.

The trials, which are being carried out for TfL by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham, will examine a range of suggestions such as 'Dutch-style' roundabouts and low-level cycle signals to assess their suitability for introduction on the UK's roads, subject to Department for Transport (DfT) approval.

These trials form a key part of the Mayor's wider Vision for cycling in London.

During the next 10 years, more than £913m will be spent on transforming the capital through new cycle routes and better provisions for cyclists.

During the trials, hundreds of cyclists and drivers of different types of vehicles will be observed travelling through different designs and configurations of junctions and road layouts to see whether the changes would help improve road safety for all road users.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I want London to lead the way in improving conditions for cyclists and the work being carried out at the Transport Research Laboratory shows what can be done if you think outside of the box.

“Making our capital safer for those on two wheels is a real priority and I am eager to see what exciting innovations come out of these trials.”

Local transport minister Norman Baker added: “We are always interested in innovative ideas to improve safety for cyclists and that is why we are working closely with TfL and others to develop, test and now trial low level cycle signals.”

By Alec Peachey