Request ID: FOI-2059-2122 Date published: 10 December 2021
You asked
Green woman crossings - What kind of ‘experiment’ was this? What was the hypothesis? Is the result measurable? How was it measured? What did the data reveal? What is the difference in impact of a female as opposed to male symbol? Is it unsafe? We are genuinely interested to know more. If it were an experiment in public response, please consider our response as positive.
Secondly, what is the nature of future ‘trials and research’? What is being researched? What are the ‘trials seeking to find out.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2059-2122
Thank you for your email received by us on 2 December 2021 asking for information about the green woman traffic light signals. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
The first is, what kind of ‘experiment’ was this? What was the hypothesis? Is the result measurable? How was it measured? What did the data reveal? What is the difference in impact of a female as opposed to male symbol? Is it unsafe? Secondly, what is the nature of future ‘trials and research’? What is being researched? What are the ‘trials seeking to find out.
The design has the similar look and feel to the standard green figure and is in line with other Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) signage.
A risk assessment was carried out prior to their installation and the diversity symbols were deemed safe for use as they were applied to the green aspect only. The original risk assessment is published here. The risk assessment was reviewed in November 2019 and includes an analysis of the collision records post-implementation, concluding the road safety risks of the diversity signals to be negligible. Please find a copy attached.
The new designs vary from the standard road safety rules and regulations, but we have consulted with road safety experts within TfL and taken necessary steps to mitigate risks and minimise confusion to pedestrians using the crossing.
The work was never a ‘Scientific Study’ and therefore no data was collected as part of any formal trial/research piece. There was no plan for this to be undertaken. Our road safety risk assessment is reviewed regularly.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
