Traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossings around Trafalgar Square
Request ID: FOI-0989-1920
Date published: 05 August 2019
You asked
Having complained to TfL about this matter but not having had a response, and also with the City of Westminster having raised this matter with you which also resulted in no response, I am having to undertake an FOI request just to force TfL to engage with me. But this IS and FOIA request for information, and NOT a complaint, so you will handle it as an FOIA request and will not reclassify it as anything else.
Under the FOIA, I demand all information held by TfL - and/or any of your contractors, partners, subsidiaries, connected third parties and so on - in relation to the traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossings around Trafalgar Square (which I witnessed on 28th February 2019) featured various gender symbols and other non-standard/non-permitted designs instead of the legally-required Green Man symbols in the illuminated pedestrian crossing instruction bozes (as per my attached illustrative example photographs).
This would include information such as who installed them, when they were installed, on what basis they were installed, at whose instruction and authority were they installed, for what purpose they were installed, what legal advice/discussions took place in relation to their installation, at what cost to the public purse, and so on and so forth.
I also require information as to whether these illegal symbols have been removed in the meantime, and if so when, by whom, on what basis, and at what cost to the public purse, and what actions/processes have been put in place to prevent this sort of thing happening again.
Clarification:
Ask to be provided with information held by TfL sufficient to clarify why when they are not legal were these 'diversity' symbols installed, at whose instruction and at what cost to the public.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0989-1920
Thank you for your request asking for information about the diversity pedestrian traffic signals at Trafalgar Square.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.
We are an organisation that positively celebrates and recognises the unique diversity of London. We have a major role in ensuring London feels open to everyone - bringing both cultural and business benefits. London's success and growth is forged on that diversity, and it being a city welcoming to people from all walks of life.
The diversity pedestrian traffic signals were installed in 2016 ahead of London’s Pride celebrations. Prior to installation a thorough risk assessment was carried out and they were deemed safe for use as they only applied to the green aspect. The signals were manufactured and installed without any cost to TfL.
The risk assessment of the diversity signals was reviewed in February 2019 and found that the road safety risk of utilising these signals is negligible. The safety situation as with all our signals is under constant review.
There is no ongoing additional cost to the public above a standard green pedestrian crossing symbol and TfL continue to be very proud of this small but symbolic acknowledgment of our support for the LGBTQ+ community in our city.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
[email protected]
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