The first pedestrian countdown crossing in the borough is set to be installed in Ilford this summer.

The crossing, in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, near The Drive, will be one of 200 across London after the technology was approved by the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency, following successful trials in central London.

Research by Transport for London (TfL) has shown pedestrians feel safer and less rushed using the system, which shows pedestrians how much longer they have left to cross in seconds.

The study showed 94 per cent of mobility impaired users and 79 per cent of children liked the new technology.

All 200 locations are expected to have the crossings installed by the end of 2014.

Chief operating officer of surface transport at TfL Garrett Emmerson, said: “Pedestrian countdown delivers significant benefits to all road users, not just to pedestrians.

“By helping people have a clearer idea of how long they have to cross the road, pedestrian uncertainty is reduced and more informed choices about whether or not to cross can be made, helping to make London’s roads even safer.”