Bus pedal confusion causes 3 crashes monthly in London

Drivers confusing their accelerator and brake pedals are causing approximately three London bus crashes every month, according to Transport for London (TfL) data. In 2025, 40 collisions were attributed to pedal application error. This figure, while a reduction from the 49 incidents recorded in 2024, marks the second-highest annual total since TfL began collecting data on pedal confusion in 2019.

Driver concerns and contributing factors

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Some drivers believe TfL has not adequately addressed the issue. Joe, a bus driver who runs the YouTube channel ‘Better Buses,’ suggested that pedal confusion could be reduced by redesigning bus pedals. He noted that drivers cannot see their feet when operating the pedals, and both can feel similar when pressed. Distraction, he explained, is a key factor, especially when drivers are under pressure from controllers. In moments of panic, drivers may experience a 'fight or flight' response, potentially leading to them pressing the accelerator instead of the brake.

Joe also pointed to the mix of diesel, hybrid, and electric buses in London as exacerbating the problem. He stated that hybrids can provide misleading feedback to drivers, as their engine noise may not always correlate directly with the vehicle's motion in the same way as diesel or electric buses. Drivers also notice significant differences in acceleration between vehicle types, which can be challenging when switching between them during a shift.

TfL's response and proposed solutions

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In response to a Freedom of Information request, TfL stated that its efforts to tackle pedal confusion are part of its wider ‘Vision Zero’ action plans, which aim to eliminate all road deaths in London by 2041. The Bus Safety Standard 2, published this year, also includes measures to address this specific issue. TfL is improving data collection on pedal error incidents, including the use of footwell CCTV cameras, to better understand the extent of the problem across its bus network.

Driver Joe proposed design changes, such as implementing a hand-controlled system for acceleration with only a brake pedal for the feet, to remove human error. He also suggested redesigning the kick-down feature on the accelerator so that fully pressing the pedal would slow the bus down, potentially mitigating panic-induced acceleration.