Traffic lights in Brentford, Hounslow and Isleworth could be ripped out under a new scheme proposed by Transport for London (TfL), sparking safety fears.

The organisation in charge of transport in the capital is proposing to remove 145 sets of traffic lights that are “no longer doing a useful job”.

Among the 145 under consideration are a set in High Street, Brentford, near Brentford Lock, one in Whitton Road at the junction with Hanworth Terrace and another in Twickenham Road, Isleworth, close to the junction with Townfield Way.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s transport adviser, said: “There are few things more annoying than sitting at a traffic light on red for no apparent reason and we've now identified 145 sites where we think the signals may no longer be doing a useful job.

“By getting rid of them, we hope we can smooth traffic flow across London and deliver real improvements for all road users.”

The plan has been criticised by Val Shawcross, Labour transport spokeswoman on the London Assembly, who said it would be dangerous for pedestrians to remove so many pelican crossings.

She said: “The Mayor should be extremely cautious about taking out pedestrian crossings and reducing crossing times from London’s roads.

“Pelican crossings are there for the safety and convenience of people on foot but they make up half of the lights proposed for removal.

“If anything we need more safe places to cross busy roads, not less.”

A Hounslow Council spokesman said: “TfL has written to London boroughs suggesting areas where traffic flow might be improved.

“We are working with TfL and considering the feasibility of these suggestions, along with the needs of all road users in the borough.

“There are three sites currently under consideration – however of primary concern is the safety of road users and pedestrians, so any changes will not be made unless we’re satisfied completely that safety standards are met.”

TfL reviewed the timings of 1,003 sets of lights in the capital last year and is consulting councils on whether to remove the 145 identified or replace them with alternative measures.