RSS 12 - Floodlighting pedestrian crossings

- October 1999

Table of contents

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Executive summary

Introduction

• Surveys were conducted during April / May 1999 with 31 road controlling authorities (RCAs) to investigate procedures and programmes for three safety areas - skid resistance, pedestrian platforms and floodlighting pedestrian crossings.
• This report details the results of the survey of floodlighting pedestrian crossings. Companion reports detail the results of the other two safety areas.

Discussion

This survey has demonstrated that RCAs policies on floodlighting pedestrian crossings varied widely suggesting that the full safety benefits of floodlighting pedestrian crossings may not be realised.

Most authorities recognised the legal requirement in the Traffic regulations 1976 to keep crossings that are used at night illuminated. Five RCAs had a policy to floodlight all of their pedestrian crossings while some RCAs did not floodlight pedestrian crossings at all.

Field surveys showed that only 39% of floodlit pedestrian crossings met the NZ Standard which is itself low by international standards. The TR11 guide recommends twice this level (40 lux) and this was achieved at 18% of crossings.

The generally poor performance of floodlighting at pedestrian crossings can be attributed to:

1. A significant number of crossings (12%) which had floodlights where the lamp had failed.
2. The initial floodlight design failed to recognise the depreciation in light output that the fittings and lamps experience over their operational life. This is particularly acute with older style mercury vapour fittings where the lamp and reflector are exposed to the elements. Mercury vapour lamps also need to be regularly replaced if light levels are to be maintained. Some RCAs now have a policy to upgrade their old style mercury vapour lamps with new high pressure sodium fittings.
3. Poor alignment of the floodlights, especially those with a narrow beam.

At 16% of pedestrian crossings at least one of the Belisha beacons installed was not operating. Better maintenance regimes and the use of longer life Belisha beacon lamps could reduce this figure significantly.

Recommendations

1. That RCAs develop a formal policy on floodlighting pedestrian crossings by;
   • Identifying those pedestrian crossings that are used at night and rank them according to night-time use / risk.
   • Making an inventory of the night-time lux levels on all of these crossings following a method similar to that outlined in this report.
   • Developing a prioritised programme to upgrade these crossings to ensure the NZS6701 level (20 lux) is maintained and preferably achieve the recommended TR11 level (40 lux).
2. That RCAs using Mercury or Halogen floodlights note the low compliance and high failure rate found with these floodlights and accordingly;
   • Review the maintenance regimes and lamp replacement cycles
   • Consider upgrading to a higher output and energy efficient source such as high pressure sodium.
3. That RCAs note the high failure rate in Belisha beacons and where appropriate take steps to improve the maintenance regime or install lamps with a longer design life.
4. That RCAs place floodlights on the approach side of the pedestrian crossings to better illuminate pedestrians using the crossing.
5. That an updated guide to Pedestrian crossings be produced which should include recommendations on fluoro discs, and floodlighting.

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