London to introduce religiously-sensitive traffic lights

We’re all for religious tolerance and everything, but the latest plans for a new-fangled pedestrian crossing at a busy interchange in London are a little bit over the top.

A pedestrian crossing near a busy synagogue in the city is to be equipped with a hands-free traffic light system so that Orthodox Jews don’t have to press a button to alight the little green man which will allow them to cross the road safely.

As a result, traffic will be held every 90 seconds from Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday, covering the Jewish Sabbath period.

The system will come into place in December and was initiated after leaders at Finchley United Synagogue explained their dilemma to staff at Transport for London (TfL), the body responsible for maintaining roads in the city.

Orthodox Jews are not allowed to use electricity or operate machinery on the Sabbath and were concerned for their well-being when crossing the street.

According to Transport for London, the ‘hands-free’ green man has not added to the cost of improvements.

“We always consult with the community over major road projects,” said a TfL spokesperson.

“This idea was suggested by the synagogue, whose members asked if it could be done. We thought about it and came to the conclusion that it could.”