‘Smart’ zebra crossings which use LEDs to alert drivers to pedestrians on the road have been unveiled in South London
A thick red line will light up based on movement detected by cameras, which will help if someone walks out unexpectedly — such as a person staring at their mobile phone
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.
Umbrellium founding partner Usman Haque said: “The pedestrian crossings we use every day are 50 or 60 years old.
“We’re trying to update it for the 21st Century with a crossing that deals with the fact that people are on mobile phones and might not be looking up.
“Vehicles might be coming more often — and there might be pedestrians suddenly coming out of a cinema at the end of a film needing to cross.”
Mr Haque claimed the crossing could make “problematic areas much safer”.
Jason Wakeford of road safety charity Brake, said: “This is a great example of how technology can help to improve road safety.
"We look forward to the trial results and hope smart crossings will be rolled out in towns and cities.”