why have red routes been introduced in major cities

Red routes have been introduced in major cities primarily to reduce congestion and help traffic flow smoothly. They do this by banning parking, stopping, or loading on busy roads at almost all times, which removes common roadblocks like illegal parking or deliveries during peak hours. This ensures that key routes remain clear for all vehicles, including public transport, emergency services, and general traffic. The introduction of red routes also aims to improve public transport efficiency, reduce journey times, and contribute to environmental benefits by lowering emissions due to reduced idling in traffic jams. London pioneered red routes in the early 1990s, and since then, many other cities have adopted them to manage busy urban roads better. They are enforced with cameras and patrols, with strict penalties to ensure compliance. Vehicles like licensed taxis and emergency services may have limited stopping rights, but general stopping is largely prohibited unless specifically allowed by signage.