Traffic lights fail to give elderly enough time to cross road Three seconds isn't a long time, but for an older person it can make the difference between feeling confident they can comfortably access their local shops and services, and feeling vulnerable and afraid to cross the road, which in turn often leads to isolation. Sadly this is a prime example of the shocking lack of focus given to walking by the Department for Transport. Despite the ageing population the assumed walking speed has not changed since the 1950s. The Government is due to review guidance on signal controlled crossings next year. Research on walking speeds coincides with the launch of Living Streets' national campaign, "Give us Time to Cross," urging the Government to make the change. Dr Jennifer Mindell, a senior lecturer on public health at UCL who led the research, said there is a danger that short crossings times could mean older people "may decide not to even try." Feeling that you cannot negotiate the outside world causes psychological distress. It also deters people from even going out, feeling they are unable to cross roads safely," she said. We need better quality public spaces that enable everyone to live well and comfortably.