Single/Double Summer Time: The time is right for London

This report analyses the potential impact on London of a change in clock time for the UK to Single/Double Summer Time (SDST, meaning that the time would be the same as that in Paris, Rome or Berlin). Such a move would increase the amount of daylight in the evening by an average of 55 minutes, offset by darker mornings.

This would better align hours of daylight to the waking hours of the majority of the population. A move to SDST would save London road casualties and the report puts the economic benefit of this at some £14 million per annum. Energy efficiency savings of some £20 million per annum would be achieved. Some 80,000 tonnes of CO2 could be saved.

The Tourism and Leisure industries would gain perhaps £500m annually. There would also be a reduced fear of crime and benefits for health, the business community and the communications and transport sectors.

The report introduces a survey of London Businesses on SDST. Over one-third of London firms expect a change to SDST to benefit their business, compared to just 8 per cent who fear a negative impact. We hope that you will find this report of interest. If you have any questions related to the research please contact GLA Economics.