TECHNOLOGY FOCUS Pedestrian crossing
Intelligent crossing
An innovative project at a busy retail park could provide the blueprint for a new approach to pedestrian safety, as Guy Pearson explains
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lashing road studs have been used to create a striking visual warn- ing for motorists approaching an
internal crossing at Giltbrook, near Not- tingham. Pole-mounted detectors activate the
LED active road studs when the crossing, which spans the main vehicle access to the park, is in use. Early indications show the bespoke sys-
tem, which was installed before Christmas, is persuading drivers to approach at lower speeds. It could soon be adopted by privately-
owned or council-run sites across the country and experts think it even has the
potential to be rolled out across the UK road network. Gordon Stitt, of traffic technology spe-
cialists Swarco, said: “Managers at the retail park wanted to enhance drivers’ awareness of foot traffic and together with Rennicks we have created an intelligent solution. “We’ve thought outside the box by using
tried and trusted technology in a different way and we’re delighted with the results.
BETTER BEHAVED “The behaviour of drivers changed almost immediately and feedback has so far been really positive. “The system is certainly doing its job
smarthighways.net
and, while this was the first of its kind in this country, it could be the start of a new approach. “Other sites might well want to fol-
low suit when they see the success of this project and, if long-term results prove as positive as we expect, then I’d advocate a similar type of scheme for use on public roads one day. “That would require the system to pass
through various levels of legislation, but there is certainly massive potential for the concept.”
PERCEIVED IMPROVEMENTS Mr Stitt thinks the Giltbrook system,
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