Latest news with #trafficSignals
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Hong Kong to upgrade 13,000 traffic signals by 2027
Content provided by British Council [1] The transport authorities in Hong Kong plan to replace 13,000 electronic traffic signals that make audible sounds throughout the city. The new models will feature functions for the visually impaired by the end of 2027. The Transport Department said last month that the renewal of pedestrian traffic lights would be implemented in phases across 2,000 junctions. The exercise is expected to cost the department HK$98 million. [2] 'The existing electronic audible traffic signals have been used for over 20 years, exceeding their normal lifespan. We have noticed that problems are rising and causing higher maintenance costs,' said Gordon Kwok Ka-chun, chief engineer of traffic control at the department. 'So we would like to replace the ageing signals and at the same time include some new functions that are more applicable to the users.' [3] The existing devices have two main functions. One is an audible sound that indicates the crossing status. The other is a button underneath that vibrates to convey the crossing status. Karl Lee Kai-tak, a visually impaired Hongkonger, said the old system was not clear enough. [4] 'When we listen to the sound, the most important thing is to hear where the sound source is,' said Lee, who requires a cane to walk. 'The sound was a bit scattered in the old system; it was difficult to hear the sound of the source. The new one can make us hear the sound more clearly. This is a big difference.' [5] The new models have five new functions for the visually impaired. These features include a light at a lower height for individuals with poor vision, a tactile map on the side with crossing layout information, and voice messages that provide the names of the streets near the crossing. The messages will be in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. [6] The voice messages are accompanied by a special nighttime volume adjustment function so that residents are not disturbed. People can use a new wireless device or the HKeMobility app to adjust the volume when they need to cross. The pedestrian push button installed in the traffic lights will also become touchless to reduce hygiene concerns, according to the department. Source: South China Morning Post, May 20 Questions 1. How many junctions will have the new traffic signals installed, as stated in paragraph 1? 2. According to paragraph 3, Lee does not … well. A. see B. hear C. walk D. none of the above 3. Based on paragraph 5, the new traffic signals do not have … A. voice messages in multiple languages. B. tactile maps. C. automatic traffic light changes. D. lower height lights. 4. What is the purpose of the special nighttime volume adjustment function mentioned in paragraph 6? 5. People can now change the traffic signals' volume … a wireless device or the 'HKeMobility' app. A. use B. using C. uses D. usable 6. Circle the correct answer. (3 marks) Lee says the new system will be much / most clearer because the sound will be least / less scattered and a lot / little easier to hear compared to the existing one. The new features for the signals will include tactile maps and multilingual voice Elson Li Answers 1. 2,000 2. A 3. C 4. to decrease the volume of the voice messages in order not to disturb residents 5. B 6. much; less; a lot
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Family's joy at £200,000 transformation of junction where daughter was hit by a car
The transformation of a dangerous junction has been completed. The £200,000 pedestrian safety scheme at the corner of Thicketford Road and Crompton Way has officially opened—five years after 10-year-old Lucy Powell was hit by a car at the busy junction. The 2020 accident sparked a campaign by Lucy's parents, Nicky and Chris, to improve safety measures at the intersection. Their efforts have now culminated in the installation of full pedestrian crossing facilities on all sides of the junction. Roadworks to transform the junction got underway in March. The family joined councillors to see for themselves how it had been made safer for pedestrians. The new system, which began operating on Wednesday, includes multi-way traffic signals and upgraded traffic lights, designed to enhance both pedestrian safety and traffic flow through the area. (Image: NQ) READ MORE: Crompton Way Thicketford Road junction improved after girl runover Bolton Council chiefs vote in Cllr Nick Peel as the leader Lucy, now 15, joined her parents as the first to use the new crossing during the official opening. Relieved mum Nicky said: 'We decided to campaign to get pedestrian lights put here. There has been a lot of disruption, so we are grateful to everybody who has been very patient about that. 'We're very pleased that, at last, the pedestrian lights are available so people can cross the road safely.' (Image: NQ) Funding for the project came from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and local ward councillors through the area's devolved budget. Tonge with the Haulgh ward member and leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said: 'I'm really pleased. A few years ago, we had a series of pedestrian accidents, and as ward councillors, we responded by allocating significant funds from our local devolved budget. With support from Transport for Greater Manchester, we've now delivered a major upgrade to this junction. 'It's been a long time coming, but it's here at last—and it's going to make a major difference to people's safety.' Residents welcomed the newly transformed junction saying it would make crossing the busy junction easier.
News.com.au
28-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Brisbane to trial AI traffic technology
Brisbane Council is expected to launch a $15 million trial that will result in AI technology taking over traffic signals next year. The Smarter Suburban Corridors trial was an LNP election promise and could deliver time savings of more than 20 per cent. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hopes the technology will allow the city to cope with the extra 400,000 residents expected to come in the next two decades.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Disruption warning as Bradford-on-Avon crossing works begin
Motorists are being warned about disruption as work to improve a pedestrian crossing work by Wiltshire Council on the existing pedestrian crossing on St Margaret's Street, near Town Bridge in Bradford-on-Avon, will begin later and is expected to take three council said multi-way temporary traffic light signals and a temporary signalised pedestrian crossing will be in place for the duration of the Howell, director of highways and transport, said: "People should expect delays in the area during the course of the work, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused." Ms Howell said they have tried to minimise disruption by starting the work during half-term and they will be monitoring the traffic in the area to minimise any delays as much as they can. "We thank all road users for their patience while the upgrades are carried out," she with money from the Department for Transport, the work includes improving the crossing areas by excavating and replacing existing paving slabs and the installation of new traffic signals equipment."The St Margaret's Street crossing is reaching the end of its design lifespan. "This improvement is vital to ensure the crossing continues to operate safely and reliably for both pedestrians and motorists," added Ms Howell.
South China Morning Post
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to replace 13,000 traffic signals by 2027 to help visually impaired
Hong Kong transport authorities plan to replace 13,000 electronic audible traffic signals across the city with new models featuring functions for the visually-impaired by the end of 2027. The Transport Department said on Tuesday that the renewal of pedestrian traffic lights, which began in April this year, would be implemented in phases across 2,000 junctions, costing HK$98 million (US$12.5 million). 'The existing electronic audible traffic signals have been used for over 20 years, exceeding their normal lifespan. We have noticed that problems are rising and causing higher maintenance costs,' said Gordon Kwok Ka Chun, chief engineer and traffic control of the department. 'So we would like to replace the ageing signals and at the same time include some new functions which are more applicable to the users.' The renewal process will cost HK$98 million. Photo: Elson Li The existing devices have two functions: an audible sound that signals the crossing status and a tactile button underneath that vibrates to communicate the crossing status.
