Transport for London (TfL) has announced it is to the latest in bus safety technology.

New optical and radar-based detection software will be used from the summer, in an attempt to help drivers be more aware of the presence of cyclists and pedestrians. The move is part of the authority's target of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the capital's roads by 40 per cent before 2020.

The trials are part of TfL's draft Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which has recently been released for review. Officials stated an earlier trial run carried out last year showed the technology had potential, but that more research was needed. Therefore, the organisation has called on developers to submit information on other devices so they can be included in this summer's testing.

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport, commented: "We are all pedestrians, and therefore it is vital that we continue to make London's streets as safe as possible."

Meanwhile, mayor Boris Johnson pledged he will continue to lobby for a change in the Highway Code to give stronger emphasis on pedestrian priority over turning vehicles at side roads.