Request ID: FOI-0354-2122 Date published: 09 June 2021
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I know, and I have noticed that in Hackney, some traffic lights change automatically to green every while to allow pedestrians to cross over safely. I particular saw this on Saturdays in the Jewish neighbourhood (N16 & E5). Can you please fill me in (under the FoI act)?
1) A list with all traffic lights that have automatically adapted to charge regularly by itself without the need to a push of a button.
2) Who authorised that, and what was the decision to do this.
3) Which program or which type of traffic light program is used for that.
4) What was the cost involved and who contributed to this cost.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0354-2122/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 20 May 2021 asking for information about traffic signals.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
The following traffic signals sites are programmed to automatically call the pedestrian phase on the Sabbath Day in accordance with the Jewish Holy day.
Pedestrian crossing at A10 Stamford Hill by Olinda Road
Junction of A10 Stamford Hill with Dunsmure Road and Portland Avenue
Pedestrian crossing at Clapton Common by Darenth Road
Junction of Clapton Common with Craven Walk
Pedestrian crossings at Clapton Common by Oldhill Street
The decision to operate the signals in this way was made following discussion with local community groups and implemented by one of TfL’s signal engineers / corridor managers. These signal timing changes are possible under the current remote computer control system we operate the majority of our signals on and this would not have incurred any extra costs. The changes to the signals were carried out as part of our business as usual work.
Please note, there will be instances in the area where pedestrian movements can run safely at the same time as traffic as movements and in these instances the pedestrian movements will always appear.
If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
