BackCountdown crossings are a red herring disguising increased danger for pedestrians
National charity Living Streets calls for plans in London to reduce pedestrian crossing times and introduce pedestrian countdown crossings to be axed, amidst safety fears for pedestrians. They are also urging local residents to join the campaign, and send off our template letter to the Mayor of London.
As part of its plans to smooth traffic flow across the capital, Transport for London has recently been investigating reducing the green man phase for pedestrians at signalised crossings and the potential introduction of countdown timers to encourage pedestrians across the road quickly. The countdowns would replace the ‘blackout phase’ which currently appears between the green and red men, but Living Streets believes that this change is a red herring diverting attention from the fact that the amount of time pedestrians have to cross safely will be reduced, increasing danger for those on foot.
Trials carried out by TfL into the proposed reduction in crossing times has shown that there is double the risk to pedestrians than there is to efficiencies for vehicular movement and a 14% increase in ‘non compliance’ with the red man when pedestrians are waiting to cross. The TfL research showed:
- “time to cross the road will be reduced"
- “waiting times at signalised crossings will increase, thus encouraging unsafe behaviour"
- “smoothing traffic flow may cause pedestrians to feel unsafe”
Despite this, TfL intends to press on regardless with further trials, including on-street trials, with a view to rolling out in 2012. Living Streets calls for a halt on any on street trials given the negative implications for pedestrian confidence and safety.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said:
“We remain extremely concerned at any proposals that would reduce crossing times for pedestrians, increase waiting times and contribute to pedestrians feeling unsafe. Smoothing the traffic flow should not come at the expense of pedestrians, and TfL’s own research shows that the scheme is a triple whammy against pedestrians- causing less time to cross, more waiting at crossings, and making pedestrians feel less safe on our streets.
“Fear of traffic and the tortuous amounts of time it can take to cross some roads are real barriers to people walking more short journeys, in particular older people and those with disabilities. We don’t need expensive countdown timers installed at 6,000 locations across the capital, they are no substitute for quality safe crossings and streets which are designed with people in mind, not just motor traffic.”
Join our campaign! Print off our letter and sign it, and add your voice to our effort to protect pedestrians in the capital.
ENDS
If you would like to find out more information or to speak to someone in further detail, please contact Anna Powell, Press Officer at anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk, tel: 020 7377 4914.
Notes to editors
Living Streets, celebrating its 80th birthday this year, is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we campaign to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk.
We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughout our 80 year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of the driving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits. Since then our ambition has grown. Today we influence decision makers nationally and locally, run successful projects to encourage people to walk, and provide specialist consultancy services to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions, improve public health, and make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.
Published on: 24/11/2009
