Touch-free technology is to be installed at more than 50 pedestrian crossings in Cumbria.
SMARTCROSS – a touch-free pedestrian crossing system – was successfully trialled in several locations in Carlisle city centre last year.
Teams from Cumbria County Council’s highways service begin work this week on a project to install new touch-free technology into pedestrian crossings across the county.
SMARTCROSS is a touch-free unit that works alongside the existing push-button systems at controlled pedestrian crossings, providing touch-free activation of the crossing.
The unit also has a remote-control function for people with mobility issues or visual impairments by using a SmartButton/SmartTube to activate the crossing.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to minimise surface contact and make crossings more accessible to people with disabilities has prompted the council to begin installing the new technology this year – beginning with 54 units installed at crossings in tourist hotspots across Cumbria, including Keswick and Ambleside.
Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m pleased that this new technology is being installed in key locations where we know pedestrian traffic is particularly busy.
“It will help improve accessibility, as well as road safety and traffic flows. It’s important to invest in the latest solutions that help local people and tourists in our communities to move around easily and with minimal disruption to other traffic.”
