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Hurry up and cross… Boris to put green man on a timer
Katharine Barney11.03.09
Pedestrians will face a digital countdown at crossings in a bid to improve traffic flow under plans by Mayor Boris Johnson.
Traffic lights are to be re-phased and some will give more time to vehicles at the expense of those on foot.
Up to six seconds of pedestrian crossing time could be lost at as many as 6,000 sets of lights across the capital while some could have time added.
The move is expected to help cope with increased traffic when the Mayor abolishes the western extension of the congestion zone next year. It is expected an extra 30,000 cars will enter the area.
It is hoped pedestrians will either hurry as they see the time elapse or decide to wait before crossing.
However, they will also face a longer wait at the kerb because the number of "green man" phases will decrease.
Transport for London has already altered some signal timings and plans to review 1,000 sets of lights each year for the next six years.
Mr Johnson has also asked the Department for Transport for permission to install the country's first pedestrian countdown signs.
A TfL spokesperson said: "The Mayor of London made a commitment in his election manifesto to smooth traffic flow in London and TfL is working hard to meet that pledge.
''We are already reviewing in detail traffic signals across the capital. Since July, we have altered timings at 150 sites as part of our ongoing timing review programme, resulting in both extra capacity and smoother traffic flow.
"TfL is looking at other initiatives which will also contribute to the potential to improve traffic flow but which will require government permission, such as a roadworks permit scheme and 'pedestrian countdown' at crossings with signals. But the plans have been condemned by road safety groups who have said it could lead to more jay walking and a greater number of accidents.
There are already 500 junctions which fail to give pedestrians the minimum time to cross according to DfT's safety guidelines. However they are being reviewed by TfL.
Head of pedestrian safety charity, Living Streets, Tony Armstrong, said people need more time to cross not less. He said: "This move raises safety concerns. Fear of traffic and the amount of time it can take to cross some roads in London are real barriers to people walking more short journeys - in particular, the elderly and those with disabilities."
Digital countdown signals are widespread across North America and, in Taipei and Istanbul, the green man walks faster shortly before the lights change, encouraging pedestrians to go faster. They have also been tried in Newcastle.
A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "The Mayor wishes to reassure every Londoner that each crossing will provide pedestrians with the time to cross that is required by government guidance and no changes to timing will affect this."
Reader views (55)
What is wrong with putting a row of starting blocks at all reconised pedestrian crossings?
- Colin, Bristol
A clear discrimination against the old (I'm one - 74 years old) and the physically handicapped.
Already I find it impossible at times to beat this stupidly timed 'Green Man'.
Interesting isn't it, radar control for lights, absolutely NO protection for any pedestrian, pram, wheelchair or disabled. Perhaps Boris has discovered that such groups do not vote Conservative, therefore are to be eliminated.
The REAL reason for slow traffic is:
1: 4 second light changes, 2:Narrowing of roads by local councils. 3: Idiotic one-way roads. 4: Indiscrimate prolonged road work blockages. 5: Untested and indiscriminate 'Green' moves with no critical examination of truth/falsity. i.e. drum banging idiocy
But. We don't want to know about those do we?
- Norman Speight, London UK
In London we have been conditioned to accept rushing around as the norm. Instead of trying to get us to run across roads the Mayor should be trying to improve our quality of life by slowing down the pace of life. But I suppose pandering to the desires of the car owner will get him more votes.
- Mick, London, England
They have this system in Singapore and it works very well, with an audio signal to help the blind .. er sorry, 'visually otherwise abled'. A brief study of the lights around Victoria suggests that a 5 second reduction would probably only involve Dom Joly in his snail outfit getting run over. The idea of banning all traffic except buses, taxis and bikes from central is nothing short of bonkers - how long before the bus and tube drivers start holding commuters to ransom?
- Paul, London
What Boris needs to do is to remove the "Pedestrian Phase" at Traffic Lights which is the the number 1 cause of congestion. Evertybody knows that 99% of Pedestrians ignore the Red Man so why have a Pedestrian Phase. Its time to go back to the old system. Cars always give way to crossing pedestrians.
- Dan, London
This is already in place in many world cities and works well. It helps people judge whether they have enough time to cross. Good idea.
- John, London, UK
Over the past fifteen years or so the distinction between the values, priorities and policies of the two main political parties has become increasingly blurred. Johnson's proposal to reduce crossing times and increase waiting times for pedestrians is a reminder that in at least one area the parties remain significantly different. Labour cares about pedestrians and is serious about encouraging walking. The Conservatives, despite their pretence at wanting to encourage walking, are only interested in securing the drivers' vote.
- James, London UK
Digital countdowns have been in place many years in Canada. They are a good indicator on weather you should begin to cross. Or wait for the next light. Question is weather the good people of London. Have the patience to wait or make a dash for it.
- Mike, Toronto, Canada
It's all very well quoting other cities which often have a grid layout with streets of equal width but they are not London. London has an historic road network with wibbly wobbly roads that change direction and can change from a near motorway to a side street within a short distance.
As a pedestrian what I find most dangerous are crossing which appear as red for pedestrains and drivers and one can tell who will get the green phase next. The leads to both users chances their arms and can lead to fatalities. It is these crossings that need to be dealt with.
As for timing systems, well we all know how drivers continue to go through lights when it is already RED so we need cameras at all these crossings so these drivers can be prosecuted BEFORE this system is introduced. Does anyone know how blind people use these countdown systems?
As for the Disabled and Elderly this scheme could mean crossing a small road could be THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
Speed up the roads Boris well done, now I think its the perfect time to issue slow pedestrians penalty tickets for walking too slowly across the roads. With all the cctv we have in the city it shouldnt be too difficult to take photos of the infridgement as the culprit crosses the street and then deliver it to their homes using mi5 surveilance facilities.
- Mr S.Port, London
I agree with "foreign student". This is a really depressing backward step. Older pedestrians and those with pushchairs etc already struggle to get across many of our crossings on green, and wait for ages. Speed limits are not properly enforced so it is also risky to make a run for it. Boris should take a look around some of the progressive cities elsewhere in Europe, where bolder politicians have tackled excessive car use in favour of healthy, greener transport like walking and cycling. It makes such a difference to the quality of urban life. Rephasing traffic lights won't ease congestion - making life easier for motorists will just encourage more of them ....
- Charlotte, North London
Well the idea isn't bad...provided disabled persons (in particularly elderly) are garanteed their right to cross safely (also kids..).Definitely agree with Chris,crossing on demand is a smart innovation,expensive though since it implies renewing the traffic-light system..
- Andre, CH
Londons roads are old & probably designed for horse & cart all them years back. Now all this transport wants to use them & they get clogged up. All drivers are in a hurry & Boris has come up with this idea for the drivers. Make central london for pedrestrians, public transport, taxis, cycles & motorbikes only.
- Dom, London
For goodness sake. There is already a time limit set at crossings & that is the time that the green man is lit. This proposal is simply to give an indication of how long is left before the light turns red giving you the option of getting across the road quickly or making a conscious decision to wait until the next crossing opportunity. Don't be the fool you are making yourself out to be by only reading the headline of the story and diving headlong into your rant. Timing for some lights will be increased and some will be reduced. The fact that you will have an indication of how long you have left to cross will achieve the following (a) increase safety and (b) improve traffic flow. There we have it...everyone is happy!
- Carl, London
Still no mention of crossing on demand for pedestrians? If I'm not mistaken, all pedestrians crossings have buttons but this simple facility is not used, hence traffic is brought to a (polluting) standstill for no good reason.
This is not about prioritising cars above pedestrians from my reading, just shifting the balance back to a more sensible compromise after the previous administrations nonsensical approach to traffic (of all kinds) management.
- Chris, London
The pedestrian crossings are green for aeons where I live, how can anyone say they're too short as they are? Countdown lights work well abroad where I've seen them - it's not about making them so short old people get run over if they don't run!
- Helen M, West Hampstead
Well done Boris, all you're doing is putting commonsense back where the communist put tick box culture.
- Mike, London
Boris should prioritise his cash and effort on the junction of Hedge Lane, Green Lanes and Bourne Hill (A111/A406) in Palmers Green in outer London getting some sort of "all red-phase", or green man. Pedestrians take their lives in their hands when they cross these two intersecting main roads
- Donald Smith, Palmers Green
It's bad enough getting filthy looks from motorists when you get them to stop at the lights - the number of times some berk revs their engine to intimidate you (or simply don't bother to stop)! What exactly does Boris intend to do when there are mothers with small children waiting to cross, or the elderly or infirm?
- Sarah, Enfield
Ahhh so we're finally getting the same digital countdown crossings as the ones they've had in Mexico City for years ... the same city where they charge 2 Pesos (10p) for a Metro journey and things run on time! Maybe TFL should go there and see how things get done.
- Sarah, London
That isn't going to smooth traffic for pedestrians too much, is it? In many parts of the city green light cycles are so few and far between people don't bother to wait for them even as it is. For elderly and disabled people it's going to get difficult. As a foreigner, it's extraordinaire to see how the car traffic still rules London.
- J-P (Foreign Student), London
We would all benifit from traffic flowing more smoothly.How often do you walk down a london street and see queues of traffic at a stand still pouring out fumes.Yes there will be someone run over some time but you all saw the idiot run across the railwal level crossing you cant stop people like that taking chances.
- Dave Smith, Croydon
There should be sensors to check if the pedestrian is still waiting to cross just before the green man lights up. If they've gone already (as I often do!) then the call should be canceled and traffic allowed to continue uninterrupted. I also agree with a countdown indicating how much longer the crossing will be for the pedestrians to stop people starting their crossing late.
- Harry, London
"Thank goodness for Boris. We are slowly but surely getting our city back. - St, London"
Interesting, and WHOM are we getting our city back from??
There really are some silly comments on this website.
- Simon, London
Maybe this will stop Boris cycling on pavements and running red lights as he has admitted to doing.
- Keith Price, Luton, England
Boris Johnson must exercise great caution in his plans to adjust timings at London’s road crossings
Whilst the introduction of countdown clocks at pedestrian crossings could help some people crossing the road to avoid that last minute dash when the lights change, it will be important that they do not inadvertently disadvantage some groups, for example those with visual impairments.
And any plans to cut the time available for crossing the road have the potential to be disastrous. If disabled people with mobility impairments and older people find that they no longer have the time to cross the road safely then this will cause a real barrier to their independence.
London’s roads and pavements need to be safe for everyone to use. It’s essential that any increase in speed for London’s traffic should be balanced against the safety of all pedestrians. London’s streets must be safe for all Londoners.
- Pete, London, UK
They have the same system in Canada and it actually works.
- Sarah, AB, Canada
I think Pedestrians, the Environment and the need to get traffic moviving in London are all equally important. However Boris is clever enough to look at optimising the traffic flow without putting pedestrains at risk and ensuring that cars don't stay running for longer than necessary so as to ensure the environment is not being poluted. This country is obsessed with needless pedestrian safety, environment issues and speed limits that are counter productive for its own purpose!!! I have seen traffic build up during morning rush hours on roads where traffic lights stay red longer than they previously used to and quite frankly all the motorists have to do is wait at the light for 10 seconds more needlessly staring at an empty crossing lane - for 10 seconds the engine is running - poluting the environment, no one is crossing the road - so no pedestrain safely issues and finally there is traffic build up - more polution.
- Mp, London
The real problem is not so much that lights are red too long, but that TfL introduced far too many 'four way stop' sequences, blocking both traffic streams at junctions in favour of pedestrians. The result has been to make nearly all main arterial roads endlessly 'stop-go' and clog up the whole system. What is needed is a return to the old alternating stop/go system, combined with far stricter enforcement of pedestrians' right of way over vehicles turning left and right off the moving stream, a right of way which is blithely ignored in 99% of cases. In Australia, cars always have to wait for crossing pedestrians before they can turn left, and the systems works perfectly well.
- Henry, London, UK
So because I have had an operation on my foot and need to walk with a Walking Stick, I can no longer cross the Road? What do I do? Get a Bus across? Thumb a Lift across? I no longer get across the Road before the Green Man Light goes out as it is.
I am now very angry!
- Ruth Ayton, London
30,000 extra cars coming into London each day (essential?), pedestrians hassled, more car emissions to make London's air quality even worse , less money for the London buses and cycling in London from congestion payments - and I thought Boris Johnson pretended to have some concern for environment and climate change threats.
Still, votes today
- Alan Cooper, london, uk
Thank goodness for Boris. We are slowly but surely getting our city back.
- St, London
According to official government policy, pedestrians should be at the top of the transport hierarchy, with their needs put above all others.
According to Boris and Transport for London, they don't give a toss for this policy or care much for pedestrians.
- Austen, London
isn't it time that Boris and others realised that London was not designed to hold all that traffic. A better idea would be to do as they have in other cities, Cambridge for example. Close the centre to all traffic except buses and taxis, and bicycles. Think of the SPACE that would be there. And Boris would not have to worry about traffic light speed ups. Bring in the Rising Bollards NOW! and tHe London would be much healthier
- Jon Vickers, SC USA
Before Boris implements this, has he changed the lights sequence at certain junctions so that lights stay green for more than 12 seconds? (a Ken special, I seem to remember)
- Marianne, SW France
Surely the Boris agenda is now clear (as if it wasn’t before) Cars are favoured and supported at the cost of every other form of transport including walking, cycling and public transport...
- Ade, London
This sounds expensive, and daft. Pedestrians should not be penalised and made to run across roads for cars. Come on Boris, don't waste our money or your time on this.
- Stephen, London
what about the elderly crossing the road.
Are they supposed to run?
- Richard, sydney
Boris and his advisors are clearly trying to prevent the build up of traffic caused by the changes he plans there are already a number of people who to struggle to cross safely with the present times it's a stupid idea we already have to dodge the light jumping cyclists.
- Mike Melbourne, Bedford England
ave the elderly and disabled been taken into account?
surley pedestrian deaths will rise?
- Simeon Graham, Cricklewood, London
There are a number of roads with islands halfway where it is near impossible to get across in one go. Often it is hard to start the moment the green man appears because cyclists do not stop! Then we have to consider the elderly and infirm. Yet again Boris has not thought things through. I grow more disappointed in him on a daily basis. Obviously the selection process did not include a basic intelligence test!
- Michael, London
Try crossing at the lights outside the BBC building at Summertown, Oxford. The bleeping indicating the lights changing goes off before you make it to the other side.
One more step into turning pedestrians into pariahs?
- Richard C, North Oxford
My disabled mother finds it difficult enough to cross the road as it is and I'm sure many other elderly people have the same problem. This is a disgustingly thoughtless proposal and typical of the Tories' selfish, me-first, car-led agenda.
- Robert C, London UK
Although I have great respect for Boris Johnson, I do disagree with him on some matters, and this is one. Not only do I not agree with his decision to abolish the congestion charge, but this idea regarding traffic lights is even worse! Surely, people must have priority over cars?
- David G, Rugby, Warwickshire
It won't make me rush to get across any faster. A great deal of the time, the pedestrian lights go red before people have finished crossing the road anyway, so shorter crossing times just means more frustrated drivers waiting longer for pedestrians when it's 'their turn'.
STUPID IDEA.
- David, London
If you're going to time pedestrians then how about attaching cameras to lights so that we aren't run over by car drivers running them?
- Bob, Cheam
These crossings work well out here in Sevilla and Malaga. You know exactly how long you have got to cross so you make your own judgement
- Colin, SEVILLA ESPANA
This is quite unfortunate. Short crossing times are already a disincentive to older pedestrians and those with disabilities and this will only increase difficulty in getting around for these groups.
Social isolation should be one of the Mayor's priorities and it is seemingly 'little' things like this which matter.
- Payam Torabi, Poplar, London
'On yer marks get reeeeeeeeeaaaaaadddddy'
Ah Well! better luck next time.
- David, London Uk
This is excellent news for drivers like myself who on a daily basis have their journeys to work delayed by endless red lights because the nanny state says people need help to cross roads. If roads really are that dangerous more pedestrian subways and bridges should be built to keep them away from vehicles.
- Kimberley, London
Come on Boris..you're nuts here as it's hard enough to get across the roads as they are.
- Sarah, London
Very occasionally I have seen crossings where itis possible to cross diagonally corner to corner. For example there is one outside Battersea Park. These are so obviously a good idea for drivers and passengers. Why aren't there more of them?
It makes things quicker for pedestrians, and means drivers only need to be stopped for one rotation of the lights. Simple geometry shows that a diagonal is 1.4 times a single crossing.
- Martin H. Watson, Teddington
What are the criteria for determining the length of time in which a pedestrian is expected to complete a crossing, and how are they arrived at?
- N.Lewis, LONDON UK
You have to remember that Livingstone re-phased lights, slowing trafic down, when in office.
So Johnson is only putting them back to where they were.
- P. C., rainham. essex.
Boris is also talking about encouraging walking and cycling. Quite how making me wait longer at crossing and rush to avoid getting run over while encouraging people to poison me with exhaust fumes is going to encourage me to walk more is frankly baffling.
- Tom, London, UK
