New technology trials to transform bus safety in London

Transport for London has announced plans to test new safety technology on London buses. Automatic braking and audible warning systems will be trialled alongside measures including new mirrors to improve the driver’s vision. All the new technology will receive a completely independent trial at the Transport Research Laboratory, whose engineers and technical specialists have been appointed to work with TfL, bus manufacturers and operators to trial a range of innovative safety measures.
August 16, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
1466 Transport for London has announced plans to test new safety technology on London buses. Automatic braking and audible warning systems will be trialled alongside measures including new mirrors to improve the driver’s vision.


All the new technology will receive a completely independent trial at the Transport Research Laboratory, whose engineers and technical specialists have been appointed to work with TfL, bus manufacturers and operators to trial a range of innovative safety measures.

These include autonomous emergency braking systems that allow the vehicle to detect its surroundings and automatically apply the brakes and features to alert pedestrians and other road users of the presence of buses, such as lights or audible warnings. The front of buses will be re-designed, which could reduce the impact of a collision, while changes to bus interiors will aim to improve passenger safety, such as higher-grip flooring and softening sharp corners. Improvements will also be made to drivers’ vision, including improved mirror design.

The results of the trials will feed into a new Bus Safety Standard that will be incorporated into bus operator contracts from the end of 2018. Transport for London has also published a report on Intelligent Speed Assistance today (16 August) following a successful trial in 2016. Bus operators are required to fit the technology, which limits the speed at which buses are able to travel, from later this year.

Location Based Systems Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US to test connected vehicle technologies in six cities
    April 25, 2012
    The US Department of Transportation has announced the six cities where it will hold Driver Acceptance Clinics for the connected vehicle programme. The first clinic will be held in Brooklyn, MI, near Detroit, in August, while the remaining clinics will be held in Minneapolis, Orlando, FL, Blacksburg, VA, Dallas and San Francisco.
    Read More
  • New aftermarket ADAS system announced
    May 17, 2012
    A new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), developed by Iteris in partnership with Audiovox Electronics, has been unveiled at the 2011 International Consumer Electronic Show being held in Las Vegas this week. The new system, which is expected to be available later this year, provides consumers an opportunity to benefit from life-saving features that were previously only available on new premium cars or commercial Class 8 trucks. It incorporates Iteris’ proven AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Fo
    Read More
  • Lane departure warning, blind spot detection help drivers avoid trouble, say researchers
    September 7, 2017
    According to new research from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), lane departure warning, a technology designed to address an often-fatal type of crash, is preventing crashes on US roads. A separate study shows that blind spot detection also is yielding benefits when it comes to preventing lane-change crashes.
    Read More
  • Local residents back major safety improvements at Hammersmith gyratory
    August 8, 2016
    Transport for London (TfL) has released the results of the Hammersmith gyratory improvement consultation, which received a high level of public support. Nearly 80 per cent of respondents backed TfL’s plans for improvements, which will significantly improve cyclist safety at one of London's most intimidating and busy junctions. Dedicated cycling crossings will be installed, pedestrian facilities will be improved and a new bus lane added that will boost the reliability of bus services for customers. Th
    Read More

Highlighted Content