What's Happening in Slacks Creek, QLD…

The Queensland government is set to spend $3 million to fund smart pedestrian crossing technology over the next two years with over 300 crossings to be set up across the state.

The smart technology will eliminate the use of a timer, instead sensors will identify the presence of people using the crossing and adjust the time needed to cross accordingly. Sensors also have the ability to determine the use of left and right red arrows for turning cars, which greatly increases pedestrian safety.

Transport Minister, Mark Bailey said this will put an end to pedestrians racing to cross the street and eliminate the frustration of motorists waiting unnecessarily at times when less people use the crossing.

The technology has been trialed at four Queensland centres including Slacks Creek, and have revealed improvements in traffic flow and a significant increase in safety.

It is hoped that the new technology will address wait times and safety concerns for pedestrians and encourage people to leave their cars at home and walk more. Retailers benefit with more passing foot traffic and can use printing services to promote their products to a wide number of people.

Bailey announced the scheme at the March Queensland Walking Summit and the technology will be launched later this year with selected locations based on traffic volume, distance to hospitals and the use of the crossing by cyclists and disabled people.