Left-turning cyclists could be exempt from stop signs

CYCLISTS could be allowed to ride through traffic lights on red if they are turning left, under a bold new initiative in London.

Transport chiefs believe it could improve traffic flow and deliver a huge safety boost to cyclists.

Cyclists would not have to wait to turn left at traffic lights, where they are at high risk from trucks and buses also turning left.

Transport for London officials have applied to the Department for Transport to run trials of the scheme.

Rob Gifford, director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said he welcomed the trials. But he added: "Pedestrians might well say, 'What about us when we are crossing on a green man and a cyclist comes around the corner?' On one hand we want cyclists to obey the law but on the other we let them 'break' the law. It could send a mixed message to cyclists, some of whom appear not to comply with the law when they can get away with it."

The trials could prove controversial with motorists already angry at what some perceive to be a high level of lawlessness among a minority of cyclists. Some motoring groups reacted with disbelief earlier this year when Kensington and Chelsea council said it would allow cyclists to ride the "wrong" way along one-way streets in a trial in six roads.

A spokesman for TfL said: "We are looking at initiatives which will contribute to the potential to improve traffic flow but which will require government permission, such as 'cycles turn left on red' while of course, giving way to crossing pedestrians."

Similar policies exist for cars in parts of Europe and in the US where motorists, who drive on the right, are allowed to turn right at red lights.

Transport commissioner Peter Hendy also confirmed that plans are under way to launch a cycle hire scheme in London, covering the zone-one travelcard area, with at least 6,000 bicycles in May 2010.

The scheme is similar to a free cycle hire initiative that has proved popular in Paris. The move is backed by London Councils in a new report, 'Breaking Down Barriers To Cycling In London'.

But the report points out that a cycle hire scheme will only help central London, and has made a series of recommendations for improving cycling facilities across the capital.