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Traffic lights across the capital will be rephased to cut jams
Pippa Crerar and Katharine Barney21.05.08
Traffic lights across London will be rephased to ease congestion on busy routes, Boris Johnson announced today.
The Mayor set out plans to change the sequences so they allow more cars through on every green light.
As a result, there would also be slightly longer waits at red lights but pedestrians would still have time to cross.
Mr Johnsontold the London Assembly that the movewould also reduce carbon emissions, as vehicles would not be sitting in queues of traffic pumping out higher levels of pollution.
But green motoring groups said it would simply encourage even more cars on to London's roads.
The Mayor also came under pressure when it emerged he has delegated key planning powers to deputy mayor Ian Clements, an unelected official.
Mr Johnson has held talks with Transport for London officials who are exploring how "intelligent" technology could ease congestion.
He said: "I do want to make sure that traffic flows more smoothly in London. I think we can do that without any prejudice to the rights and needs of pedestrians or vulnerable road-users.
"I've discovered an appalling legacy of neglect of London's traffic lights and it turns out that, contrary to the so-called green credentials of the last admin, there are no fewer than 727 traffic lights that do not conform to Department for Transport guidelines.
"Poor pedestrians are now being forced to sprint across. I'm assured we can not only rectify the gross neglect of traffic lights but we can also allow cars to flow more smoothly through them."
Mr Johnson said he would press ahead with his pledge to bring in a new generation of Routemaster buses but admitted the plans were "aspirational".
However, much of the Mayor's first question time was dominated by questions-about openness and accountability-He was criticised for delegating his planning powers to Mr Clement, deputy mayor for government relations, rather than making the decisions himself.
Green Darren Johnson said the arrangement was "simply not appropriate and not democratic".
Mr Johnson insisted he was taking a "keen" interest in planning applications. "You will understand I have been in this job about two-and-half weeks and I haven't had time to get my head round every single planning application that comes on to my desk," he said.
"In so far as I have delegated planning to others to get on with the vital business of planning approvals, that does not mean for one moment that I have ceded authority."
His spokesman said later none of the 14 planning decisions made by Mr Clement had been controversial and in every instance he had backed the decisions of borough councils.
Mr Johnson came under fire from Labour for appointing "the great and good of the Conservative party" to sit on his forensic audit panel investigating the finances of the London Development Agency. Labour suggested there should be a cross-party panel.
The Mayor replied: "The objective there is not to launch any kind of witchhunt or seek any kind of scapegoat but to get to the bottom of the apprehension by Londoners that lots of money was being wasted."
Reader views (16)
I think it will cause more accidents, encourage more cars on the road, block pavements and increase road rage. I think the idea is insane. Boris, I have always voted labour so it’s hard for me to say this. I like you, but… one giant leap for vehicles, and small step for the environment.
- Denise Tierney, London, Uk
I have just read Boris Johnson's, ‘Way to go’ report and was delighted at the suggestion of having a Cycle lane along the Thames. This would reduce cyclists having to weave through the streets in heavy traffic. If this is the case, please can Boris consider having cycle lanes off road with considered cycling permitted? I cycle through the city very close to heavy traffic. This makes breathing difficult and very dangerous even when you cycle predictably. I really hope this happens. Some days I can’t face the journey because it’s so hazardous.
- Denise Tierney, London, Uk
Where I live in the centre of London there is already too little time for residents to cross the road. Some of my neighbours have visual problems, some are children who need a safe route to school, some are elderly and slower to cross roads. The last thing we need is less time to cross. Vehicles keep trying to get round junctions before the lights change and end up blocking it, so pedestrians have to get between large coaches with drivers unable to see them. There seems to be an accident every month or six weeks here, usually a pedestrian ending up under a bus. We need more time to cross the road, not less. And what will happen when Crossrail is open, bringing thousands more pedestrians into the central shopping area?
- V St Clair, London UK
James said "Great to see our new Mayor's lack of green credentials, more green time for motorists means a longer wait for pedestrians, simple as that."
Actually it's not. The point is that by waiting a little longer they will have more time to cross safely. In the meantime, traffic can move more efficiently with a little less stop-starting. The idea that this is going to cause eco-armageddon is what has made seeing the introduction of sensible green policies take decades longer to introduce than it should have done.
- Paul, Carshalton
Great to see our new Mayor's lack of green credentials, more green time for motorists means a longer wait for pedestrians, simple as that.
- James, london, United Kingdom
Can we refrain from referring to the new mayor as BJ!
- Andy, London
The first known protest by the Greens was against the invention of the wheel!
- Dave, London
The lights were re phased by red Ken so that he could warrant introducing the Kengestion charge.
Well done Boris for sorting out a problem brought about by one man's greed and hatred of motorists.
Next, abolish the Kengestion charge and you will be a hero!
- Jimbob, Kensington
WOW keep on going Boris! One thing though, If BJ is going to re phase the lights to allow better traffic flow that would suggest they were set to create congestion? Something the odious little man we has before said was untrue. Now lets have motorcycles allowed in bus lanes and you will win over lots more fans.
- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand
Two thumbs up Boris... keep it up!
- Joe C, London
"Green motoring groups said it would simply encourage even more cars on to London's roads". Tools.
- Laz, London
Oh dear, another poorly thought out idea - so where do you think all these extra cars will go? oh yes, blocking junctions and increasing queues at the next set of lights. Has the world gone mad - this isn't environmentalism, this is common sense! You could have all the lights on green, all the time if you like - it won't escape the fact that the volume of traffic at peak times is too great for the road space. If this is a sign of Boris policy to come then we will all be in real trouble - car user or not.
- Dave, London
Well done Boris. I am so tired of these hot headed green activists in their moral high horses who prefer to disturb traffic flow with the sole purpose of increasing discomfort to motorists.
Don't they see that roads complement transport and that not everyone physically fits in the underground network at rush hour?
Roads must take some of the rush hour burden. In addition, motorists pay enough for this privilege and the service is currently terrible.
- Andrew Hodges, London, Islington
Great stuff Boris - keep on.
- Wpw, London, UK
Heard the meeting on Radio, well done Boris, you have done a lot in just a short time, many thanks, a superb meeting, I think the Chairman could have been stronger.
Great work Boris, looking forward to corrected Traffic Lights at moment they are a pain in the A..e. thanks
- Raymond, Elstree
Very impressive start by our new mayor. He really seems to be getting stuff done and doing what the majority of Londoners want. At this rate, even the most hardened Guardianistas might actually have to revise their opinions of Boris.
- St, London
