Westminster to turn off traffic lights

The City of Westminster and Transport for London are planning to switch off certain traffic signals on an experimental basis.

The experiment will start with the signals at the junction of Victoria Street and Strutton Ground.  It will entail monitoring the junction over a six-week period with 12 closed-circuit television cameras and eight number plate recognition cameras.

For the first two weeks the signals will work normally; for the following fortnight they will be switched off, before being put back on for another two weeks. The behaviour of motorists and pedestrians will be monitored at both this junction and one about 100 yards to the west.

Martin Low, Westminster City Council's head of transportation, said: "We will be creating a bit of indecision in all road users' minds to create a safe environment, When lights are out, we have noticed that drivers are far more considerate and show more care and attention than they are when they have the reassurance of traffic lights. We think there is a huge potential to reduce delay for all road users."

The idea of removing traffic signs and signals began at Drachten in the Netherlands. Road users behaved more carefully, with a consequent reduction in accidents. The concept now appeals to the Mayor of London as part of his policy of smoothing the traffic flow.