The first low level traffic signals in the country have been installed in London.

Designed specifically to aid cyclists, the lights are situated on the Bow roundabout and are another part of mayor Boris Johnson's £913 million vision for cycling.

The decision to install the lights was taken after strict safety trials conducted by Transport for London (TfL) showed that 80 per cent of bike riders favoured the new signals. Although common in many parts of Europe, they have never before been approved for use in this country.

They work by repeating the display of the main traffic lights at a lower level, enabling cyclists to see them better. Organisations such as Sustrans have welcomed the development, saying the new signals offer a wide range of benefits.

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL said: "These low level cycle signals are the first fruits from our extensive off-street cycling innovation trials and will be a fantastic addition to London's roads."

TfL has also written to the Department for Transport, requesting permission to extend the use of the lights in other areas of the capital.