Waterloo Quarter BID has joined forces with Transport for London and other local partners to extend an innovative new signage system into the area.

Legible London is a pedestrian wayfinding scheme being developed pending approval by Transport for London that aims to reduce problems caused by inconsistent signage and resulting confusion about the distances between areas.

This is particularly relevant in an area like Waterloo, where the barrier of the station and railway tracks often impacts on pedestrians' ability to access areas to the south of the

station. The area is remarkably accessible from other parts of central London, but these physical barriers can make perceptions of distance far greater than the reality.

The South Bank and Bankside area is one of three pilot areas in London being used to develop the Legible London concept. This has focused in particular on improving links along the riverside and between Waterloo Station and visitor attractions by the river.

Waterloo Quarter was given the opportunity to see the benefits of the first wave of the Legible London project incorporate the BID area and was keen to help effect this, as poor signage has been identified as a priority issue by local businesses. As a result of subsequent negotiations, it was agreed to extend the signage south of the station for the benefit of member businesses. Transport for London have sourced funding for two additional signs on Waterloo Road, with the BID funding additional signs on Westminster Bridge Road, Lower Marsh, Baylis Road and The Cut. The signage will incorporate a helpful 'walking distance' measure, indicating the proximity of nearby areas. It will also highlight key buildings that are important in helping people orientate themselves. This should greatly improve accessibility for pedestrians coming from the area to the north of the station. In addition, the scheme will link with an existing prototype scheme in the West End, further highlighting the accessibility of Waterloo from other areas in central London.

Following a review of the project in March 2010, we are keen to extend the signage across the whole BID area, stretching south as far as St George's Circus. We will be working closely with Transport for London to achieve this.

For further information on Legible London and the South Bank and Bankside Pilot, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/legiblelondon