Ambulances, police cars, and fire vehicles in non-emergency situations will now be able to use bus lanes in London following a successful trial. 

From Friday 19th May, ambulances, police cars, and fire vehicles will be able to use bus lanes while they are on duty, even when they are not responding to emergencies. 

A trial has taken place since February 2022 in Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth, and Lewisham and this found that the number of missed NHS appointments fell by 20% and there was no impact upon bus journey times. 

Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy & Policy at TfL, said: "Bus lanes have a proven track record of speeding up journeys, and we're delighted to see further benefits in this trial for Guy's and St Thomas' and thousands of its patients.  

"We look forward now to more patients across the capital being able to get to their appointments on time and supporting the vital work of the other emergency services, be it a forensics van needing to get to a crime scene or London Fire Brigade equipment needing to be in the right place at the right time." 

There are 8,000 emergency service vehicles in operation across London and this move will help to reduce congestion and reduce journey times. 

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: "Making journeys in the capital quicker and more efficient is a key priority of the Mayor's. The trial of this initiative resulted in quicker journey times for vulnerable patients, without any negative impact on bus journey times. 

"I'm pleased we've been able to support our colleagues in the emergency services and help improve patients' experience too.   

"We look forward to working with London boroughs to implement it even more widely."