Prototype of worlds first smart crossing unveiled in London
A "SMART" zebra crossing which alerts drivers when a pedestrian steps out in front of traffic has been unveiled.
The surface features LEDs which light up based on movement detected by cameras.
An average of 20 potentially unsafe incidents occur each day at crossings in the United Kingdom, according to data from Road Safety Analysis and the Transport Research Laboratory.
Other features include the crossing becoming wider when lots of people are waiting to use it, and extra warnings to cyclists when pedestrians are hidden by high-sided vehicles. A prototype was unveiled near Mitcham, south London, developed by tech firm Umbrellium with insurance company Direct Line.
Umbrellium founding partner Usman Haque said: "The pedestrian crossings we use every day are 50 or 60 years old".
The crossing can turn road markings green automatically to tell pedestrians to walk and can differentiate between people, cyclists and vehicles to change road markings accordingly.
"This is trying to perform very much like a traditional crossing with the difference that it responds in real time".
"The idea of the Smart Crossing was borne out of the problems that road crossers face; one in four accidents take place at a road crossings", said William John, creative director at Direct Line's creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi.
"We look forward to seeing the results of this trial and hope smart crossings will be rolled out in towns and cities across the country".
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