Crossing signs could tell pedestrians to walk faster

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 11/03/2009

Pedestrians could be made to walk faster on crossings under a new Government plan to improve the flow of traffic.

The proposal, made yesterday by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, could mean that crossings across the country will have a countdown system installed, pressuring pedestrians to get a move on, and singling those out who can not keep up the pace.

Wera Hobhouse, portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability at Rochdale Borough Council, has been trying to encourage local people to walk and cycle as opposed to using a car, and claims Boris’ bid is “not acceptable”.

Johnson has asked the Department of Transport for permission to install the system on 6000 set of lights across the country, with the possibility of more in the future.

He hopes the extra “green time” will make pedestrians speed up or, if they are slow at walking, wait on the side of the road until the next green man phase.

It has been reported that pedestrians walk at 1.2 metres per second, but the countdown system could lose five seconds from each crossing.

Wera Hobhouse said this is not the way to solve congestion problems. She said: “Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and we should be doing everything we can to protect them, not to pressure them.

“I am working to make it easier for them and to re-encourage people to walk rather than use their car, because there are clear issues with congestion and health.”

“I would not welcome this kind of thing into Rochdale and I do not support it”.

Jennifer Crane walks to work everyday from Castleton to central Rochdale. She said: “I enjoy walking to work because its cheap and relaxing.

“But to have this countdown system would just wind everyone up, and single out those who can’t walk so fast. It will have no affect on anyone whatsoever, and would be a massive waste of money”.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the new proposal? Would you welcome it in Rochdale?

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