[Promotion-technology] Fw: A Different Pedestrian Safety Solution from Across the Pond

[Robert Jaquiss]

Hello Colleagues:

     I thought this might be of interest.

Regards,

Robert

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bkmabma at yahoo.com>
To: <undisclosed-recipients:>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 8:33 AM
Subject: A Different Pedestrian Safety Solution from Across the Pond


>
> Manchester Evening News (UK)
>
> Roads a touch safer for the blind
> Deborah Linton
> March 23, 2009
>
> TOUCH technology that could make crossing the road safer for people with 
> sight problems is being piloted in Manchester.
>
> Small cones which rotate when the steady green man is showing have been 
> introduced at the base of push-button boxes at pedestrian crossings.
>
> Gloves
>
> They have been adapted so that users can even feel the movement through 
> gloves.
>
> It is hoped they will also help people who struggle to hear signals 
> through traffic noise.
>
> Manchester council has introduced the system in the city centre as part of 
> a pilot scheme.
>
> Feedback
>
> It wants feedback from pedestrians which will then be used as part of 
> government research into the technology.
>
> The devices have been fitted at a crossing at the junction of Princess 
> Street and Cooper Street and at a crossing near Starbucks on Princess 
> Street.
>
> 'Duty'
> Coun Richard Cowell said: "We have a duty to ensure the safety of all 
> pedestrians but it is particularly important that we have the right 
> facilities in place for visually impaired people, which is why Manchester 
> is pleased to take part in this trial.
>
> "The rotating cones will help pedestrians who have vision and hearing 
> impairments and may find it difficult to hear the audible signals on 
> crossings where there is a lot of noise."
>
> Anyone who has a vision impairment and wants to comment can contact Emma 
> at the Transport Research Laboratory on 01344 770 503.
>
> LINK: Video Report with sound (embedded, does not autoplay, may be 
> difficult for screen reader users)
> http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/video/?bcpid=1586371503&bctid=17182816001
>
> SOURCE
>
> http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1103962_roads_a_touch_safer_for_the_blind
>
>
>
>
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