London launches hi-tech trial for pedestrian safety
(Phys.org) —London is trying out intelligent pedestrian technology to make crossing the road easier and safer. Announced earlier this month, the technology is said to be the first scheme of its kind in the world. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and Transport for London (TfL) have outlined plans for the trial of new pedestrian crossing sensors to help make it easier and safer for people to cross the road throughout the capital. The mayor said he was happy about London being the first city in the world to try out the equipment. Fundamentally, the system enables the adjustment of traffic signal timings automatically; traffic lights are to account for situations where many pedestrians are standing on the pavement, waiting to cross, and need extra time, because of the numbers, to allow them do so safely. Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said the system would be...