Wandering past Billingsgate Market before Christmas I was pleasantly surprised by the reappearance of a once familiar sight .
Pierre Vivant’s “Traffic Light Tree” was previously located on a roundabout near Canary Wharf, at the junctions of Heron Quay Bank, Marsh Wall and Westferry Road. When it was installed in 1998 and long afterwards it caused confusion to many drivers, however it soon became a firm favourite and became quite famous being voted the Top Roundabout by a motorist organisation.
When the sculpture was removed in 2011 by Tower Hamlets Council, there was a campaign led by local councillor Gloria Thienel to find an alternative site in the area for the sculpture.
At last a new home has been found and the tree can start confusing drivers once again.
The ‘Tree’ is 8 Metres high and contains 75 computer operated sets of lights.
In its previous home at Westferry
Isle of Dogs Life 
Hi . I have been working with the Council for the past two years to get it back. I pushed this location and please to see it looks good there . We are are just waiting for the electrics to be fully checked and a date will be set for Lights On . The Wharf have always followed this.
Congratulations Gloria on your campaign, will there be an official switch on of the lights ?
Hi Just realise Council is spelt wrong and pleased . Having a block moment ? Yes there will be I will let you know, send me you email address
I didn’t notice ! another senior moment for me, email is isleofdogslife@gmail.com
Thanks I will let you know . I love your write up & share them on Twitter & Island FB pages
Hi!
Random question, but do you happen to know if the tree is only illuminated at night or if it is meant to be on during the day as well? I visited the other day and it wasn’t lit up, wondered if this was normal or if it is broken?!
Thanks
Sorry for the delay in replying.
The simple answer is I don’t know, I don’t remember it being on in the day.
I don’t pass it everyday like I did in its old position, therefore not really sure.
I have seen too that it is not lite. The tree should be lite 24 hrs 365 days. Someone has asked the council what it’s is not working.
Awaiting a reply
Thanks for the further information to Gloria who was responsible for finding a new home for the Traffic Light tree.
Ahh that’s a shame! Thanks for the reply!