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Flashing light pedestrian crossings

Pedestrians using a zebra crossing on Mt Albert Road near the Royal Oak roundabout are likely to be a lot safer following the introduction of an innovative new flashing light system.

The light studs, which are designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities, start flashing when pedestrians walk over detector pads at the crossing entry. They have been installed on the road surface along each end of the pedestrian crossing and down the centre line.

The technology is part of a national 12-month trial involving Auckland City, Christchurch City Council and Land Transport New Zealand.

In Auckland city alone, there have been 38 injury crashes involving pedestrians on zebra crossings in the last five years.

Zebra crossings on multi-lane roads, such as the crossing on Mt Albert Road, are of particular concern. In a number of cases, one driver will stop, while the motorist in the other lane continues driving. The flashing light studs are designed to give more emphasis to the pedestrian crossing, encouraging both drivers to stop.

An Auckland City survey showed that more than 60 per cent of Auckland drivers find it difficult to see pedestrians at night, during rain or when visibility is poor and about 50 per cent of pedestrians feel unsafe using a zebra crossing in these conditions.

More than 80 per cent of drivers and pedestrians were in favour of new technology being used to improve safety.

Pedestrian and driver behaviour will be monitored by video surveillance during the course of the trial.

Auckland City reminds people that responsibility for road safety does not lie solely with motorists. Pedestrians must always remember to check before they step.