News from John Biggs: Mayor's traffic smoothing plans risk pedestrian crossings in Newham

Local Assembly Member John Biggs warns that Mayor Boris Johnson wants to get rid of up to 145 sets of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings from London’s streets.  The traffic lights proposed for the chop in Newham are the junctions of Mitre Road/Abbey Road/Laywick Street and the UeL access at Gallions Roundabout.

John said “Transport for London are consulting with local councils but I think it is important that ordinary Londoners should be aware of the Mayor's plans and be able to raise their concerns.”

On closer inspection of TfL’s list of lights for potential removal, in addition to locations clearly listed as pedestrian crossings, many of the junction signals ALSO include pedestrian crossings. Removing traffic signals at these junctions will impact on pedestrian safety.

John said “TfL’s list was not clear about just how many pedestrian crossings the Mayor wants to take out in his programme to 'smooth the traffic'.”

John continued “It's important to remember that crossings are always put in for a reason - to make a road safer to cross, particularly for older people, those with disabilities and parents pushing buggies or prams. I am concerned about the impact on safety for all road users at junctions - particularly pedestrians and cyclists.”

ENDS

Editor’s notes

1. John Biggs is London Assembly Member for City & East London, covering The City, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Barking & Dagenham.

For further information contact Nina Dawson 020 7983 4356