Hi-tech pedestrian crossings scan cars and people to ease congestion, improve road safety

Some of Melbourne’s busiest intersections are testing pedestrian crossing technology designed to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety.

The introduction of new technology – at up to 100 pedestrian crossings across greater Melbourne – comes as Victoria’s road toll has risen by a shocking 27.8 per cent year-to-date compared to the same time last year, with 146 lives lost to Thursday June 22, 2023.

Among those, 11 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads to date in 2023, though this is a decrease of 52 per cent over the same period.

The hi-tech crossings will be equipped with sensors and high-definition cameras to detect how many people are waiting to cross or are already crossing the road.

Computer software then adjusts the length of time a green light will be displayed to pedestrians according to vehicle traffic and the number of people waiting to cross the road.

For example, in peak periods where there are a lot of pedestrians, the system will hold vehicles on a red light for longer than usual.

It will also display a green light for pedestrians for an extended period if it detects people with limited mobility taking longer to cross the road.

The technology will also give cars a green light for longer if there is minimal pedestrian traffic.

Authorities say at these intersections the technology over-rides programmed traffic light cycles and adapts timing according to the demand between cars and pedestrians.

The latest hi-tech pedestrian crossings have been installed in intersections near schools, train stations, and shopping precincts in Melbourne’s growth areas such as Point Cook, Werribee, Dandenong and Cranbourne. The 100th hi-tech crossing was most recently installed near Dandenong High School.

These unique pedestrian crossings have already been in service at intersections surrounding high-traffic entertainment precincts such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium, and Melbourne Park. A further 11 installations are planned in the coming months, say authorities.

Upgrades to the intersections come as part of the government’s $340 million Smarter Roads program which aims to improve the efficiency of Victoria’s arterial road networks.