We’re reviewing all of London’s 6,000 traffic lights to help traffic flow more smoothly.
Re-programming lights to prevent jams
Rephasing lights
The Mayor is committed to tackling congestion by ensuring smoother traffic flow. One way to do this is by rephasing lights so traffic is stationary for shorter periods of time.
A Londonwide assessment
All of London’s traffic lights are being assessed and we have shaved seconds off red on about 150 of them. A couple of extra seconds on green can cumulatively make a huge difference to traffic flow, so where we can ease traffic without prejudicing the rights of pedestrians, we will do so.
We are also using computers to link more traffic lights at adjacent junctions in order to reduce stop-start driving.
Maximising green time for pedestrians
We are also working with the Department of Transport to develop and gain support for the idea of a pedestrian countdown at traffic signals. If found to be suitable for the capital, and if approved by the DfT, this electronic countdown would indicate to pedestrians how much time remains to cross the road before the red man is displayed. London could become the first major city in England to introduce it.
>Over a thousand sets of traffic lights have had their timings reviewed.
