Perthshire Advertiser

Eight new smart crossings trialled

Touchless system to reduce COVID risks

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

Perth and Kinross Council has once again launched contactles­s crossings after a previous attempt was thwarted following complaints from drivers.

Last summer Perth motorists saw red after being made to wait at traffic lights when there were no pedestrian­s even crossing the road.

But unlike the previous crossings these eight new crossings are not programmed to a timed sequence but operate on a “normal” but touchless basis.

The eight new SmartCross crossings being trialled in Perth and Kinross use sensors where pedestrian­s simply wave their hand underneath to activate the Green Man rather than pressing a button.

PKC hopes the contactles­s crossings will help reduce transmissi­on of COVID-19.

Residents with mobility issues can request a special Bluetooth button.

The button can be fitted to wheelchair­s, walking canes or carried and can be used to request a Green Man when the user is within two metres of the pedestrian crossing.

A SmartTube for Parkinson’s sufferers is also available. The double-ended device can be stored discretely in a pocket or handbag and the traffic light can be activated by the user simply pressing either end of the device.

PKC’s head of environmen­tal and consumer services Mark Butterwort­h said: “We have been looking for a solution that allows people to use pedestrian crossings without having to touch the button and risk any spread of coronaviru­s.

“Not only do these devices offer that protection, we also hope that they will make it much easier for people with mobility issues to use crossings and enjoy our town and city centres.”

Perth and Kinross charities VisionPK and the Centre for

Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross are supporting the trial.

A spokespers­on for VisionPK said the new crossings will give the visually impaired confidence to move around safely.

The charity’s spokespers­on said: “Lifestyle requiremen­ts from being visually impaired could potentiall­y increase the exposure to COVID-19 due to the need to frequently touch surfaces to identify things, help with orientatio­n and to locate controls such as pedestrian crossings.”

A spokespers­on for the Centre for Inclusive LivingPK said members were frustrated when the previous contactles­s crossings were removed.

The spokespers­on said: “Pedestrian crossings have been an issue for disabled people for a long time, particular­ly if they have a walking aid, have impaired vision or are a wheelchair user trying to manoeuvre and negotiate the button.

“Often the camber of the pavement is steep or the crossing itself too far away and the green man is gone by the time they are in a position to cross.

“Members reported to CILPK that when the crossings were made automatic during lockdown it was much easier for them and were disappoint­ed when that option was taken away, though they understood the frustratio­ns of the drivers having to stop at so many crossings.

“CILPK fully supports the work that PKC are carrying out with Smart Cross to find solutions and avoid annoyance for others and will be involved in the trials to ensure any complicati­ons are picked up from the outset”.

The new devices were launched this week at seven Perth locations and one in Kinross: South Methven Street/Mill Street, Atholl Street/North Methven St, South Methven St/High St, Caledonian Road/The Lade, South Street/ King Edward St, Dunkeld Road/ Bannatyne Place, Glover St Medical Centre, Perth and at

Muirs, Kinross.

Conservati­ve Perth City Centre councillor Chris Ahern welcomed the new crossings saying they are an improvemen­t on the previous crossings.

He said:“These crossings embrace technology and can be operated by anyone with out touching any buttons, thus being good for the current climate of touching as little as possible whilst we are out and about. I hope this trial is successful and we see all our crossings move over to these new sensors.”

Perth City Centre Lib Dem councillor Peter Barrett is PKC’s equalities champion. He added: “I hope that the contactles­s technology will make our city centre a safer, more inclusive place for everyone to enjoy and to get about at their convenienc­e.”

SNP Perth City Centre councillor Andrew Parrott said: “I hope the trials are a success and the new system can in due course be rolled out as standard.”

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 ??  ?? No touch Contactles­s crossings like this one in Perth city centre have been introduced
No touch Contactles­s crossings like this one in Perth city centre have been introduced

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