to improve safety for people with visual and physical disabilities

Audio-pedestrian signals (Audio-tactile units)

Audio-pedestrian signals transmit sound tones to help people with vision impairments locate the control box at pedestrian crossings. Tactile surfaces also help to locate the push button. Different tones are used to indicate Don’t Walk and Walk sequences

The sound signals are focused on the area surrounding the pedestrian waiting area and the volume is often automatically adjusted to suit ambient noise levels.

Audio-tactile units are used in conjunction with tactile surface indicators to improve crossing safety.

Microwave motion detectors

Motion detectors mounted on the top of poles at pedestrian crossings detect slow moving pedestrians and allow them to cross the road safely by delaying the change of traffic signals.

Tactile ground surface indicators

Different ground surfaces are used to provide information to vision impaired people through their sense of touch, either underfoot or via a walking cane.

Changes in ground surface indicate if they are approaching a hazardous area such as a road or signal crossing and show the correct direction to proceed.

Australian standard kerb ramps

Well designed kerb ramps conforming to Australian standards of length and gradient improve accessibility at crossings.

Vision impaired pedestrians are assisted by

• orientating the ramp grade in the direction of travel
• aligning ramps on both sides of the road
• aligning ramps with pushbutton signals.

Pedestrian refuges

Islands located centrally across the roadway provide a protected staging area for pedestrians crossing the road. They are often used where pedestrian operated signals are not considered necessary.

In combination with tactile ground surface indicators, the refuges help people with vision and physical disabilities cross one stream of traffic at a time.

Pedestrian walkthroughs

Breaks in raised median strips provide level pathways for pedestrians, disabled persons, people in wheelchairs and cyclists crossing single and multi –laned roads. Handrails provide stability while waiting to cross the road.