Crossing point is unorthodox

COMMUTERS in London will see Britain’s first “hands-free” pedestrian crossing introduced near a busy synagogue to ensure Jews are not forced to break religious rules preventing the use of electricity on the Sabbath.

Pressing the button used to halt traffic at the crossing near the Finchley United Synagogue is considered a breach of strict laws of Orthodox Judaism.

Now, as part of an £8 million upgrade, Transport for London has revealed that traffic will be stopped every 90 seconds covering the Jewish Sabbath – Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday – from December.