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.
This means a thick red line lights up across the road when someone walks out unexpectedly — such as a person staring at their mobile phone.
Data shows that an average of 20 potentially dangerous incidents occur at crossings each day in the UK.
Other features include the crossing becoming wider when lots of people are waiting to use it, and extra warnings to cyclists when pedestrians are hidden by high-sided vehicles.
A prototype of the was showcased near Mitcham, South London, after being developed by tech firm Umbrellium in partnership with insurance company Direct Line.
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.”
