How to participate in a TfL transport consultation

Every year Transport for London (TfL) runs dozens of public consultations on changes to the capital’s roads, bus networks, cycle routes, junctions and public spaces. These consultations are the main formal opportunity for residents, commuters, businesses and community groups to shape transport decisions before they are finalised. For anyone who lives, works or travels in London, knowing how to navigate a TfL consultation can turn a dense document into a real chance to influence the outcome.

TfL is legally required to consult under the Greater London Authority Act 1999 and its own scheme of delegation. The consultations cover everything from minor signal timing adjustments to major corridor redesigns, such as the proposed Oxford Street pedestrianisation or the latest cycle lane on the A10. Responses are collated, summarised and presented to TfL decision-makers, who must explain how they have taken the feedback into account.

This guide explains what a TfL transport consultation contains, how to find open consultations, how to read the key documents, and how to write a response that carries weight.

What is a TfL transport consultation?

A consultation is a formal public engagement process that TfL runs before implementing a scheme that affects the transport network. Most consultations last six to eight weeks and include:

• A consultation document explaining the proposal and its rationale.
• Plans, maps and visualisations of the proposed changes.
• An online survey with multiple-choice and open-text questions.
• Sometimes public drop-in events or webinars.
• A technical annex or impact assessment (traffic modelling, air quality, equalities impact).

Consultations are not referendums. TfL is not obliged to follow the majority view, but it must consider all responses and publish a report explaining its final decision. Well-evidenced responses that reference specific locations, user groups or data points are far more influential than generic statements. For example, during the Silvertown Tunnel consultation, TfL received over 10,000 responses and later modified the scheme to include a dedicated bus lane after strong public feedback.

How to find current consultations

The main source is TfL’s official consultation page at consultations.tfl.gov.uk. The page lists all open consultations, with a short description, closing date and a link to the survey. You can also filter by borough or topic.

Additional sources that may reference TfL consultations include:

• London City Hall’s consultation portal (for GLA-wide strategies).
• Borough council websites, which often link to TfL consultations affecting their area.
• Local transport user groups and campaign organisations (e.g., London Cycling Campaign, Living Streets) that publish summaries and suggested responses.

Signing up for TfL’s consultation email alerts (via the TfL how-we-consult page) is the most reliable way to hear about new consultations as soon as they open.

Key parts of a consultation document

A typical TfL consultation document is structured in sections. The table below outlines the main parts and what to look for in each.

How to write an effective response

A good response does not need to be long, but it should be specific. Here are practical tips:

• Reference the scheme name and consultation number. This helps TfL link your response to the correct project.
• Use the survey questions as a structure. If TfL asks about a specific junction, describe your experience at that exact location.
• Provide evidence where possible. For example, instead of “the cycle lane is unsafe”, say “the cycle lane ends 50 metres before the junction, forcing cyclists to merge with traffic turning left at a point where traffic speeds are above 30 mph.”
• Mention the different user groups you represent. If you are responding as a parent who cycles with children, a local business owner, or a disabled resident, state that clearly. TfL’s equalities impact assessment must consider the needs of protected groups.
• If you disagree with the modelling, say why. Traffic models often rely on assumptions that may not reflect local conditions (e.g., school run times, weekend traffic). You can reference the TfL traffic modelling guidance for context.
• Submit before the deadline. Late responses are not guaranteed to be included in the summary report.

What happens after the consultation closes

Once the consultation period ends, TfL analyses all responses. The process typically takes several months. TfL then publishes a consultation report on the same project page, which includes:

• An overview of the number and type of responses received.
• A summary of key themes raised.
• TfL’s response to each theme, including any changes made to the scheme.
• The final decision: proceed as proposed, proceed with modifications, or abandon the scheme.

For example, the consultation on the A10 cycle lane resulted in TfL adjusting the junction design at Tottenham Hale after residents raised concerns about bus stop access. The consultation report is publicly available on the same page.

If the scheme is approved, TfL usually begins construction within 6–12 months, depending on complexity and funding. The report also explains how the scheme will be monitored (e.g., before-and-after traffic counts, safety audits – see TfL’s monitoring reports for examples).

Practical next checks

• Visit consultations.tfl.gov.uk and bookmark the page.
• Check if there are any open consultations in your borough or on routes you use regularly.
• If a consultation is closed, read the consultation report to see how TfL used the feedback.
• Consider joining a local transport user group to pool insights and share knowledge about upcoming consultations.
• Set a reminder to check the TfL consultations page every two weeks – new consultations are added frequently.

Consultations are not the only way to influence TfL, but they are the most direct. By understanding the process and preparing a focused response, you can make sure your voice is heard in decisions that shape London’s streets.