Liberal Democrats Show That Transport For London Fail Pedestrians

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th May 2009

Caroline Pidgeon GLA Member Shows That Transport For London Are Failing Pedestrians

One in five pedestrian crossings at junctions are failing pedestrians.

Councillor Gary Malcolm, Ealing Lib Dem Transport spokesperson, and Caroline Pidgeon GLA Member, have highlighted Transport For London's neglect of pedestrian crossings.

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, has revealed that one in five pedestrian crossings in London do not give people enough time to cross the road.

The figures, which had to be obtained by a Freedom of Information inquiry, show 472 crossings do not comply with the minimum timings guidelines from the Department of Transport. These crossings do not provide enough time between the green man light disappearing and the amber light appearing for motorists.

In our local area the following crossings fail with the Department of Transport guidelines:

• Junction of Turnham Green Terrace & Chiswick High Road

• Junction of High Street (Acton) & Winchester Street

• Junction of Ealing Broadway & Station Parade

Caroline Pidgeon said: "London has the highest number of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries of any other region of the UK so it is simply appalling that Londoners have to put up with hundreds of pedestrian crossings which are inadequate.

Caroline added: "The national guidance on this issue was issued in 2005, so it is not new. TfL really have no excuses. Pedestrians should be able to cross junctions without having to worry about their safety."

Councillor Gary Malcolm added: "As a matter of real urgency the Mayor and TfL should get its act together and ensure that the crossings are made as safe as possible, as quickly as possible."