Islington campaigners want action from Transport for London on what they say are ludicrously short crossing times at a busy Upper Street junction, where Islington Park Street and Canonbury Lane join the main road.
Last Friday, Liberal Democrat campaigner Bridget Fox brought GLA Transport Vice-Chair Caroline Pidgeon to see for herself. And Caroline has pledged her help in raising the issue.
Bridget says, “We timed the green man at just 5.2 seconds. Perhaps TfL think that crossing the road in Islington should be an Olympic event?”
Caroline adds, “It's ridiculous to give people such a short time to cross. Whether it's mums with buggies, or pensioners, everyone needs a fair chance to cross the road safely.”
Frustrated residents also report that vehicles turning out of Upper Street into Canonbury Lane and Islington Park Street are often still on the move when pedestrians get the green light to cross – an accident waiting to happen.
Caroline Pidgeon has tabled a question to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson: “Can you report back on the findings of the review of crossing times at the junction of Upper Street/Canonbury Lane/Islington Park Street that was due to be finished in December 2008?”
Islington councillor Greg Foxsmith adds, “Islington Council has done a lot of work to make our streets safer. Now we need Transport for London to do the same.”
The picture shows (l-r) Bridget Fox, Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Caroline Pidgeon and local resident Sue Buchanan getting ready to sprint across the road.