Queensland pedestrian crossings get smart

Up to 300 key pedestrian crossings across the state will step up to new smart technology thanks to a $3 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said following the success of trials at Logan, the Gold Coast and Bundaberg, the Palaszczuk Government would now roll out smart pedestrian crossing technology over a two-year period to improve efficiency and safety at Queensland intersections.

“Compared with standard signalised crossings, which use a timer, these smart crossings will use sensors to detect pedestrian movement and adjust the amount of time required to cross,” Mr Bailey said.

“This means pedestrians can cross safely without having to rush, and for motorists it means less waiting when there are fewer pedestrians using the crossing.

“Importantly, these smart pedestrian crossing detectors can also hold left or right-turn red arrow signals, to protect pedestrians from turning vehicles.

“Trials at Slacks Creek, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Bundaberg demonstrated marked improvements in traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety, which is why we’re now investing $3 million through the Camera Detected Offence Program.

Minister Bailey announced the $3 million investment at the Queensland walking summit, where more than 100 experts and stakeholders from across the state gathered to develop a vision for the state’s walking future.

Minister Bailey said about one third of all pedestrian fatalities and hospitalisations occurred at intersections.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving safety for pedestrians and these upgrades will go a long way to making sure pedestrians can get from A to B safer.”

In 2018, pedestrians accounted for 35 fatalities. Additionally, between 1 January and 31 August 2018, there were 228 hospitalised pedestrian casualties on Queensland roads.

The rollout of the upgrade program will begin later this year. Locations will be prioritised based on length, high traffic and pedestrian volumes, those used by mobility-impaired pedestrians and cyclists and crossings near hospitals.

ENDS

Media Contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078