Fewer lights 'good for economy'

The GLA study explored the impact of London's traffic lights on the economy

Some of London's traffic lights could be removed after a report showed the economy could benefit from such a move.

The report from the Greater London Authority (GLA) said traffic flow could be smoothed and the city's economy benefit from lights being removed.

The study was limited to five junctions judged to represent two thirds of London's junctions with lights.

Talks have taken place between London boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) about safely removing lights.

Traffic flow

The report is seen as adding weight to London Mayor Boris Johnson's drive to review the phasing of every set of traffic lights in the capital to ensure they are as efficient as possible.

The mayor's report excludes any consideration of pedestrians Caroline Pidgeon, GLA Transport Committee chair

Mr Johnson said: "There is surely not a single Londoner who has waited at a red light at two in the morning on a deserted street and wondered why on earth they are being delayed.

"We need to explore all options to smooth the flow of traffic, which is why TfL is speaking to boroughs about whether - subject to rigorous research on the safety of pedestrians and other road users - there might be a case to remove them," he added.

But chair of the GLA Transport Committee Caroline Pidgeon said the mayor's report "excludes any consideration of pedestrians or the economic bill that could arise from more pedestrian accidents".

"The very first priority for the mayor must be to end the scandal that across London over 400 pedestrian crossings at junctions fail to provide sufficient time for pedestrians to cross the road," she said.

The mayor has asked TfL to introduce a technology called SCOOT to 1,000 sets of lights, allowing the lights to adjust their own timings in response to traffic conditions.

Ealing Borough Council plans to switch off traffic lights as a trial at two sites in the borough to assess the effects on traffic and pedestrians.