This indicator measures the proportion of the bus routes in each borough that have been given priority over other motor traffic (through bus lanes or bus gates). This is the first year that the Bus Priority indicator contributes to the overall score for each borough. We have used the scores collated last year, as it has not been possible to update borough maps for this year.
The data shows a wide variation in the proportion of bus route prioritised in each borough. Across all boroughs, most of the priority score is delivered by bus lanes. In some boroughs, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (both newly delivered and historic ones) also provide a contribution where they permit entry to buses but not general traffic. Among the Inner London boroughs, there are three boroughs – Hackney, Islington and Lambeth* – where 40% to 50% of routes are prioritised. In Haringey, Lewisham, Wandsworth and Camden around 30% are prioritised; but only around 20% of routes are prioritised for buses in Tower Hamlets and Westminster, and just 5% in bottom-of-the-table Kensington & Chelsea.
Among the Outer London boroughs, Ealing, Barking and Dagenham, Merton, Waltham Forest, Hounslow, Brent and Greenwich score well with between 10-20% priority. But many boroughs have little or no priority for buses: Bexley, Bromley, Redbridge, Barnet and Sutton all have under 5% priority.
The Scorecard coalition has issued a call to action, asking boroughs and TfL to work together to introduce more bus priority measures, especially on roads which have been identified as needing urgent action.
In addition to updating bus priority measures for next year, boroughs that have dedicated portions of their roads for use by trams will receive scores for those sections of route, as buses do.
This map shows London bus priority and bus routes as of today, based on the best information available.
*Excluding City of London
From 2023, the bus priority scores contribute to the overall Healthy Streets Scorecard scores
Our aim is to publish data showing how much action has been taken. A higher score may be allocated for action taken on sections of roads which have been identified by TfL as needing urgent action. Borough and TfL roads will be included in scores.
Mapping and data updates and corrections
The map and data are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication but we welcome contact from anyone, including boroughs and TfL, if corrections are needed. We are aware that bus services may change and our aim is to reflect this in future years’ data and mapping. We will issue an annual call for amendments around March of each year.
The graphs below shows Inner and Outer London boroughs differentiated by colour (light blue = Inner London, dark blue = Outer London). This helps show how boroughs are doing compared to other Inner or Outer boroughs.