I wrote to Mr Johnson's office about this as I also think it is completely ar5e-headed. The response I received from a "Customer Services Assistant" from a Tfl Dept which is called London Streets (I think) was as follows:
"This is just an idea at the moment and is with the DfT to confirm if it is even possible. It can take years for the DfT to give us their view. If it were possible (and it would require a change in legislation and technical guidance) then Transport for London (TfL) would first look at a trial.
TfL has proposed to operate a trial at carefully selected sites in London to allow cyclists to turn left through a red traffic signal whilst general traffic remains stationary. The purpose of providing such a facility at traffic signals is to reduce the potential for instances where left turning cyclists are struck by other vehicles also turning left. The publicity necessary to accompany such an initiative would also promote motorists' understanding of the vulnerability of cyclists and therefore the need for them to be afforded sufficient space and respect, encouraging responsible behaviour by both drivers and cyclists.
For cyclists to proceed through a traffic signal, whilst general traffic remains stationary, current regulations require cyclists to be separately signalled from other vehicles. This would require separate traffic signals and an associated splitter island which would reduce capacity on the network substantially and introduce significant costs.
The French government has recently authorised trials of cyclists turning right on red at traffic signals in Strasbourg and Bordeaux. TfL acknowledges concerns as to the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, particularly the visually impaired, who would be crossing the road under a green man pedestrian signal potentially in conflict with cyclists turning left on red.
However, TfL is following the trials of these arrangements in France and, dependent on the results of these, would wish to explore with the DfT the potential for trials at appropriate sites in London. Similar practices are standard in other countries: in Germany, where traffic travels on the right, right turns on red are permitted for all vehicles when a specific sign is present.
The Mayor is committed to developing cycling in London and making London's streets safer and feel safer for everyone and not just for cyclists. TfL is working with the police and the boroughs to raise awareness of the dangers of selfish and unlawful driving and riding and to use the enforcement system to complement strategic (such as Share the Road) and locally focused campaigns. There are now around 2000 police and emergency services personnel using bicycles as part of their everyday operations - they set a good example to cyclists and motorists, provide public reassurance as well as being very effective in catching wrongdoers of all kinds."
It's all a bit confused, isn't it? If it's just an idea that Tfl are floating, why's Boris shouting about it. As I think I've read elsewhere on CC Boris is quite happy to float these crappy ideas, knowing that a Central Govt Dept will kick it into the long grass or just reject it completely. At least he looks good saying it, eh? Still, he's such a character, isn't he?
