Following a 12-month trial, TfL is opening up its bus lanes on main arterial roads to all ambulances and fie and police vehicles, even when not dealing with an emergency.

The trial, run with the Guy’s and St Thomas Trust in south London, found the number of missed NHS appointments fell by around 20% and saved the Trust money, with no impact on bus journey times.

TfL said it is now working with London Councils to encourage boroughs to roll out the initiative over the next few months.