The countdown technology, though increasingly popular in other countries like Japan or USA, has not been in use here in the UK. Not until the new diagonal crossing system was introduced at Oxford Circus two years ago. I think it's effective because one of the main reasons we cross at a red light is because of our impatient tendencies. Not knowing how long we must wait is one of the things we despise most, myself included, it's just in our nature. The countdown solves this. Also, it allows us to make informed decisions on whether to cross or not, without the worry of whether we can make it in time.
This countdown mechanism, as I found out today, is part of a major plan by TfL to be rolled out across the capital as of this summer. In fact, this was only announced ten days ago. Transport for London say they will install around 200 more of these, in order to "reduce confusion and uncertainty" and allow for "more informed choices" to make the London roads safer. Sounds like an excellent scheme.
My project will hopefully build on this and look not only for pedestrians to make more informed choices, but to actually choose not to cross. Nevertheless, it's an interesting development and clearly backs for improvements to be made for pedestrian crossings.
Here's the full report by TfL. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/22531.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment