Members of the Newham Transport Action Group campaigned outside Parliament last Wednesday (November 21) to support a longer crossing time at pedestrian crossings.
The ‘Time to Cross’ scheme calls for the government to extend the allocated time for people to cross the road by three seconds to accommodate elderly pedestrians and those with mobility issues.
The current time is calculated at a walking speed of 1.2 meters per second however Transport for All says this measurement has not been updated since 1950. Despite the aging population it fails to count the pedestrians most at risk or those already struggling to cross the road at spots that are supposed to be safe.
Lianna Etkind, Campaigns Coordinator at Transport for All said, “For many older and disabled pedestrians, it’s simply impossible to make it across the road during the Green Man phase.
“Older and disabled people shouldn’t have to scurry and rush fearfully if we want to get out and about. It’s time that the Government’s guidance allowed time for everyone to cross safely.”
The Government guidance on signal controlled crossings is due to be reviewed next year.
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