Say bonjour to flashing zebra crossings

A new type of flashing zebra crossing has been installed on a busy street in Paris. The light-emitting road surface now graces the city's 15th arrondissement.

And the futuristic zebra crossing has been a big success. Since the LED panels were embedded in the road, 94 per cent of vehicles now yield to pedestrians, a 27% improvement. Additionally, 55% of vehicles stop at least two metres before the crossing, also a dramatic improvement on driver behaviour prior the flashing feature being fitted.

Independent studies carried out since the illuminated crossing was opened reveal 87 per cent of people feel safer compared to 59% before. The system has proved particularly helpful for individuals with disabilities due to the enhanced visibility of the crossing.

Safe road crossings don't have to be high tech

A simplified version of the zebra crossing is used widely across Europe because it's cheaper to install and works well on side roads. As we reported last week. these so-called informal zebra crossings are now coming to the UK. At first glance they look very much like a conventional crossing. However, they don't have the standard signage, flashing beacons, or road markings typical of a conventional zebra crossing. And they're much cheaper and quicker to install. The low-cost signal road markings signal to drivers that pedestrians have priority, improving safety at places where people on foot should have priority.

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