Bizarre 'step into the road' plan

Millionaire Ivan Massow launched his bid to become London's Mayor today with a plan to let pedestrians walk into the road whenever they like.

Cars would have to give way whenever someone wanted to cross on foot. Only London's busiest main roads would be exempt.

He said it would reclaim the streets for pedestrians, but one motoring group called it "a recipe for disaster". Mr Massow, 36, is running as an independent against Ken Livingstone and a crowded field of challengers.

Under his proposal, pedestrians would be allowed to step out at any point along most London roads, as long as they did not force a car to brake sharply. Mr Massow said the move would be of particular benefit in areas like Islington, Soho and Brick Lane.

The driving speed limit would remain at 30mph, instead of the 20mph in residential areas Mr Livingstone is set to propose.

The RAC said: "This is illconceived. It is better to teach pedestrians the dangers of the road than offer a free-for-all."