Traffic Note 14 - Revision 2

Appendix 4: Pedestrian crossing warning lights

Print version: Appendix 4: Pedestrian crossing warning lights (PDF, 14 KB)

Purpose of trial

The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pavement embedded flashing lights warning system. This system gives drivers an early warning pedestrians are about to cross a pedestrian crossing.

The main objectives are to:

1. Research in-pavement flashing light warning systems on two pedestrian crossings in Christchurch. The first involves connecting flashing lights directly to a power source, while the second system is powered by induction;
2. Research an in-pavement flashing light warning system on a pedestrian crossing in Auckland;
3. Communicate with suppliers for detailed specifications of this equipment and associated costs of acquiring, installing and maintaining the in-pavement flashing lights;
4. Purchase and test the technologies at the three selected crossing sites where there are existing safety concerns that need addressing;
5. Collect ‘before’, ‘during’ and ‘after’ data in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems;
6. Determine preferred technology and hardware in terms of effectiveness and long-term maintenance;
7. Establish on-going maintenance issues, expenditure profiles and cost-benefit information;
8. Publish the findings of the trial in a user-friendly report.

The Director of Land Transport (Director) considered the application for a trial and his approval was published in the NZ Gazette on 19 January 2006. (See attached copy (PDF, 24 KB))

Need for approval

The Director needed to approve the pedestrian crossing warning lights as they require flashing yellow lights that are currently not allowed within existing regulations.

Contact details

For further information about the trial please contact:

David Pinkney, Christchurch City Council, PO Box 237, Christchurch
Phone 03 941 8027, email david.pinkney@ccc.govt.nz

Mitchell Tse, Auckland City Council, Private Bag 92516, Wellesley St, Auckland
Phone 09 373 6352 email mitch.tse@aucklandcity.govt.nz

Wayne Osmers, Land Transport New Zealand, PO Box 13 364, Christchurch
Phone 03 964 2840, email wayne.osmers@nzta.govt.nz

Page created: 27 October 2006