London to increase pedestrian crossing countdowns

MORE PEDESTRIAN crossings will get "how-long-have-I-got?" countdown signs as part of a new safety action plan for London's roads.

The pedestrian countdowns will be extended to include around 10% of the capital's crossings, Transport for London (TfL) said.

The plan also includes trials of innovative collision detection software on London buses this summer.

The trials will build on research previously carried out by TfL on detection equipment and will look to test the effectiveness of radar and optical technology for reducing collisions with cyclists and pedestrians.

There could also be trials on the use of intelligent speed adaptation technology on buses to promote adherence to speed limits.

TfL has also launched an updated “digital speed limit” map to provide drivers with the best information on the speed limit of the roads they are travelling on.

TfL and London Mayor Boris Johnson are aiming to reduce by 40% the number of people killed or seriously injured on the capital's roads by 2020.

Mr Johnson said the plan, involving 31 key actions, "enshrines the raft of actions that are being taken to improve pedestrian safety in the capital".

TfL has also launched a new road safety TV campaign which aims to generate understanding and respect between all road users.

In the advert, the narrator walks through London's streets and asks why all road users get so angry with one another on the capital's streets.

By highlighting the conflicts that can occur between people, the advert looks to make people think of their actions and therefore look out for others when travelling around the city.

The advert will run on TV screens for the next five weeks.

By Press Association reporter