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Signalised junctions are an integral part of the transportation network, but are they designed in a way that prioritises the comfort and safety of pedestrians? As many cities are rethinking their infrastructure and start applying the long-ignored hierarchy of putting walking and cycling first, the idea of pedestrian priority signals is starting to gain attention.

The Problem with Current Signals

Traffic signals have long been an essential part of managing the flow of traffic on roads around the world. But for all the advances that have been made over the years, one thing has remained the same: they are designed to improve vehicle movements, and vehicles have consistently been given priority over pedestrians. Most people know what this is like – when a pedestrian approaches a signal crossing, the cars don’t automatically stop. They have to stop to press a button and then wait for the green signal before they can cross. This means that many junctions remain difficult and uncomfortable for pedestrians to cross at busy times. You only need to stand near one in London to see how long pedestrians are really willing to wait before trying to cross, whether the signal has changed or not. The lack of pedestrian priority is not in line with current approaches to transport planning, which aim to make public spaces more welcoming and accessible.

 The Potential of “Reverse” Traffic Lights

It's important to note that the concept of giving priority to pedestrians isn't a completely new idea and has been gaining traction as more cities look for ways to improve road safety. It is hoped that the trend of “reverse” traffic lights will continue and be embraced in other cities around the world.

Reverse traffic lights are a system that provides priority to pedestrians, as the green signal is permanently displayed for them to cross. Instead of the pedestrian having to stop, press and wait, it is the drivers who must ‘request’ permission to pass through.

I first heard about the idea in 2016 when a pedestrian priority signal junction was introduced in Gdynia city centre in Poland. The signals were since completely removed following the change in Polish law to give pedestrians priority at all unsignalised pedestrian crossings.

In Karlsruhe, Germany, a similar signalling system was introduced at the end of 2021, which showed that the idea had potential. Now Hamburg is joining the trial, starting with one junction, but there are many indications that a similar system will soon appear around schools and large city playgrounds, where pedestrian flows are high, and their safety is paramount. The solution has been called a ‘new trend’, but it could be set as an EU standard across European countries.

 UK Example – The Green Man Authority

Transport for London (TfL) is taking a proactive approach to pedestrian safety by testing the use of Green Person Authority signals at 18 locations across the capital. The exact same as a ‘reverse’ traffic signal, a continuous green pedestrian signal is shown until a vehicle is detected approaching.

The trial data suggests that the pedestrian priority signals have reduced journey times for people walking and made it easier and safer for them to cross. Additionally, compliance with traffic signals by people walking increased by 13%, while compliance by people driving stayed the same. By reducing the waiting time for a green signal, the total time saved by all pedestrians at the average crossing in the trial was 1.3 hours a day.

The data also shows that the signals had virtually no impact on traffic, with only minimal changes to journey times for buses and general traffic - the largest increase for buses was only 9 seconds and for general traffic only 11 seconds. Several sites showed improvements in journey times.

As a result, TfL is assessing how the technology could be further improved and used at other locations across London in the future. The technique could also be used elsewhere in the UK and TfL will engage with local authorities to see how pedestrian priority could benefit other towns and cities.

By introducing this technology, TfL aims to create a better balance between vehicles and pedestrians, making urban environments more welcoming for people walking and creating safer and more enjoyable streets for everyone.

Other Considerations

When it comes to introducing pedestrian priority at signalised junctions, there are some other considerations that need to be taken into account. The pedestrian priority must be designed in a way that does not endanger cyclists or motorists. Regulations should also be set up to ensure that pedestrians remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Another thing to consider is the safety regulations that need to be put in place in order for this type of system to work.

Overall, implementing a pedestrian priority system at signalised junctions has the potential to dramatically improve the walking experience in urban areas. Hopefully this will encourage even more people to choose walking as a safe, convenient, and healthy way of reaching their destination.

Do you think it is feasible to implement this kind of system in the UK on a wider scale? If you know of any other places where similar solutions have been implemented, we'd love to hear from you in the comments below!