- For the first time ever, ‘Pride’ pedestrian traffic signals will be installed on roads near Trafalgar Square
- The signals will go live on 19 June in advance of the Pride in London parade
- Transport for London (TfL) is now a Pride in London partner
- New ‘Pride’s Got Talent’ busking slots at Tube stations during this year’s event
Around 50 pedestrian traffic signals around Trafalgar Square will have their ‘walk’ image replaced with new diversity images as part of the celebrations for Pride in London. The familiar green walking symbol has been replaced with either green gender related symbols or a new ‘holding hands’ design.
The traffic signals have been designed to show TfL’s support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) diversity in London. They are inspired by a similar set of traffic signals that were produced in Vienna last year.
There will be seven special designs to represent LGBT+ relationships, including a holding hands symbol and the widely recognised trans symbol. The unique traffic signals - designed in-house at TfL - will be installed in London overnight by Siemens free of charge on the 19 June.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “One of the greatest things about this city is our differences and every Londoner should be proud of who they are. I am very proud of our LGBT+ community here and I am looking forward to working closely with them as their Mayor. Our thoughts and prayers are of course still with the families and friends of the victims of the hideous recent attack in Orlando. These new signals show that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them and display the tolerance and celebration of difference in our city.”
Alison Camps, Director at Pride in London, said: "It's fantastic that London is a city so keen to celebrate Pride that even traffic lights can be used. This small symbol is a big gesture from the Mayor of London and TFL, and we're delighted to have their support. For many people acceptance and tolerance is a luxury they don't have, and these lights are another display of how welcoming and accepting London is. Our campaign this year is called #NoFilter, letting people live their lives as they want to. These lights are a perfect display of that, saying that our city recognises each and every one of us for who we are."
Martyn Loukes BEM, chairman of OUTbound, TfL’s LGBT+ Staff Network, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners who have worked together to make these special diversity pedestrian signals for our Capital. This illustrates TfL’s support for the LGBT+ community and London's diverse population. I am proud, as a gay Londoner that we are unveiling this now following the recent tragic events in Orlando and our thoughts are with all those affected.”
Tom MacMorran, General Manager of Siemens’ traffic operations said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support TfL with the manufacture and installation of these special signal designs. Diversity and inclusivity is very important to us and our employees, and this is a great example of where simple ideas can have a significant impact. We join TfL in sending our thoughts to those affected by the Orlando events.”
TfL will also be hosting some of Pride in London's main performers at its busking slots at Tottenham Court Road and Charing Cross Tube stations, including special drag acts and Pride’s Got Talent winner Jack Fuereisen. The performers hope to raise money to support this year’s Pride in London festival and other future events.
TfL has been recognised as an official Pride in London partner, following several years of successful collaboration with the organisers of the festival. TfL will provide services and facilities to London LGBT+ Community Partnership (LLCP+) as part of the agreement, including venue provision for their volunteer training sessions and providing breakdown recovery if required for the Pride event. TfL has already undertaken several different initiatives to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the capital, including creating a rainbow wrapped bus, taxi and DLR train and pedestrian crossing.
Notes to editors
- The images are only seen when the pedestrian light turns green and are a temporary installation in the Trafalgar Square area.
- JPEGs of the signals are available on request as well as photos of Ride with Pride wrapped taxi, DLR and bus.
- Siemens was awarded the traffic signals maintenance contracts for North London and North East London by TfL in 2014. They have installed these new traffic signals free of charge.
- OUTbound have overseen the process and approved the final designs.