The Brigstock Road pedestrian crossing in Thornton Heath is not the only one with a crossing time which is much too short.

In general, “green man” time is set at 1.2 metres per second to cross the road, but researchers at UCL have found that over 75 per cent of people over 65 move at a much slower pace – 0.8 m/s for women and 0.9 m/s for men. 

Also, not just older people struggle to get across in time but also, for example parents with buggies and small children or people carrying a lot of shopping as well as disabled and mobility impaired people have problems with such short crossing times.  

The standard “green man” crossing time of 1.2 m/s makes life difficult, if not dangerous, for 7.5 million older people and large numbers of parents and carers who need a few more seconds to cross safely. 

The Mayor of London’s policy of “smoothing traffic flow” has been making matters worse all over London by reducing crossing times of pedestrian crossings.

This is unfair to pedestrians as well as unsafe. 

Just three seconds more crossing time is all it takes in many cases to improve the situation.
I support the “Time To Cross” campaign for longer “green man” times, which is organised by the of the national organisation “Living Streets” which campaigns for the interests of all pedestrians.  Google “Living Streets” for more information.

Tom Voûte, Green Party candidate for Kenley Ward on Croydon Council; 
Wilmot Road, Kenley

 


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