To the Mayor of London and Transport for London

We, the undersigned, as residents, businesses and visitors to Westminster, believe everyone should be able to walk around our city and feel safe.

Department for Transport guidance assumes walking speeds of at least 1.2 metres per second, which result in ‘green man’ signals that are too short for many people to safely and comfortably cross the road. This includes the ‘blackout period when no ‘green man’ is shown. But Transport for London has the authority to extend pedestrian crossing times to be more accessible and inclusive.

For example, a recent study by Dr Max Western showed that just 1.5% of ‘pre-frail and frail’ adults over 65 years old would be able to walk fast enough to cross in the time currently given. Simply put, it is not fair that the lights change so fast that people feel worried about crossing the street. This may be discouraging many from walking and putting some in real danger.

• We want our streets to be friendly for everyone.
• We ask you to make the crossing lights stay green for longer so that everyone has enough time to cross.
• We agree with you that “Every journey matters,” so we ask you to undertake an urgent review of pedestrian crossing times across the City of Westminster.

Labour-run Westminster is ready to work constructively with you to improve this situation.