London to get its own rainbow crossing in time for Pride
Authorities have announced that London is to get its own rainbow crossing ahead of Pride in London this year.
The announcement was made by Transport for London (TfL) as Brighton unveiled the UK’s first temporary ‘rainbow crossing’ to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.
TfL and the Highways Department, as well as the Mayor of London Boris Johnson have all approved the crossing, which will be installed at Pall Mall east and Suffolk Street, close to Trafalgar Square.
Conservative MP Mike Freer campaigned for the idea after seeing a crossing at a pride event in Tel Aviv.
He told PinkNews: “I am delighted that London will have its own ‘rainbow crossing’ to celebrate London Pride. London us one of the most diverse cities in the world and in the year that Same Sex Marriage became legal, it is a wonderful symbol of London’s vibrant LGBT community.”
Rainbow crossings have appeared in place of traditional zebra crossings across the world, including in Canada, Australia and Norway.
Police have warned pedestrians not to consider the Brighton installation an official crossing, as it is not covered by traffic laws.
The temporary installation, which is expected to attract tourists, will be removed next week.
Pride in London will take place later this month.
