Lots of good points here and I do agree that Forest Hill is not pedestrian friendly. There are surely enough reasons to promote non-car transport in London so am puzzled by the oft heard bias towards the car. If 4 cars have to wait 10 secs at the lights then each car has been delayed by only 10 secs. This is not a big deal yet many motorists seem frustrated by it even though they will probably get to their destinations faster than those on foot anyway. Hardly surprising that a minute wait or more causes those on shanks' pony to find their own way across the road, even if it is not safe to do so.

Roads are there for all users and that includes pedestrians. I know of a local crossing where the lights turn immediately on request and only give a c. 20 sec wait if the cycle has just completed. Perfect bias and the busy traffic still flows fine. People make a point of using it and there is very little jaywalking as a result. Am not naming the spot in case this happy compromise was unintentional.