A countdown timer for pedestrians has been installed outside Stratford station in east London ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. The timer is aimed at increasing security for pedestrians crossing the road outside Stratford Station and the scheme is currently being rolled out across the UK. The timer in Stratford is the first one to be installed for the London 2012 Games.

As well as the timer in Stratford, there will be one in Tooting Bec, and eight more will be installed before the Games begin on 27 July. The current plan is to install 200 timers by 2014.

The first trial for this scheme was started outside Southwark Tube station and it has highlighted many benefits. The timers provide important information to pedestrians when crossing the road and they unable them to know exactly when the lights will change. During the London 2012 Games, in Stratford and in London, it will be very important to keep pedestrians safe at all times will enabling the flow of traffic. With so many new visitors expecting to come to London for the 2012 Games, this will certainly be a challenge. The timers will help keep pedestrians safe.