Local Liberal Democrats in Southwark have called for a review of traffic lights across the borough. On many crossings, lights for pedestrians stay on red even while the traffic are on red also. This adds up to a lot of wasted time, frustrating not just pedestrians but also drivers, as they wait expectantly for a pedestrian red light to lead to a green light for them.
One case is on the junction of Camberwell Green and Denmark Hill. Lib Dem councillor James Barber raised the issue of a big time-lag for pedestrians on the junction several times with Southwark Council. After being repeatedly ignored, he and Caroline Pidgeon AM, the Liberal Democrat Member of the London Assembly, raised the issue with Transport for London. TfL agreed to review the case and found that pedestrians could have 15 seconds more on a green light, with no impact on other road users. The improvements will be implemented in the next few weeks.
Cllr James Barber said:
"I’m really pleased that pedestrians will finally see improvements on the Camberwell Green junction, but this isn’t just a single case. A proper review of pedestrian traffic lights across the borough will lead to cutting waiting times and encourage more walking. Maximising ‘green’ time for those pedestrians that need the direction they give – such as children – means they’ll have less need and motivation to ignore traffic and pedestrian lights in general, which will make things better, quicker and safer for everyone."
Caroline Pidgeon said:
"This case was sadly just another example of where the needs of pedestrians have been overlooked for too long."
People who know of other such cases in their local patch are being urged to raise the issue with Southwark Council or to get in touch directly with the local Liberal Democrats, who will take up the case on their behalf.