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Two 'intelligent' zebra crossings have been installed at Alicante's Playa de San Juan to improve pedestrian safety
Alicante has installed the first of a number of smart pedestrian crossings designed to reduce the number of road traffic accidents and improve pedestrian safety in busy areas.
Two high-tech zebra crossings have been installed on Avenida Irlanda at Playa de San Juan as part of redevelopment works in the area and incorporate intelligent technology to increase road safety with reinforced lighting and signage.
The smart crossings, which combine sensors and LED panels, have been in operation since Friday June 3. An LED lighting system detects with sensors when a person is about to cross the road and lights up to "give greater visibility to motorists and improve pedestrian mobility".
"The lights warn drivers, and are sustainable as they switch off when the pedestrian has finished crossing. The incorporation of this technology into our streets is a pilot project and we intend to expand and extend it to other parts of the city," explained the local authority.
Smart pedestrian crossings have already been implemented in Almeria, Madrid and Sevilla, amongst other towns and provinces, and are a favoured solution to traffic management many European cities.
In addition, Torrevieja introduced a pedestrian crossing system that was the first of its kind in Europe earlier this year to stop people walking out into traffic while looking at their phones.
Every year in Spain, around 10,000 people are run over on public roads, most of which occur in urban areas. And according to the Dirección General de Tráfico, of these people, about 100 lose their lives.
According to other official data, 15% of serious or fatal accidents occur at pedestrian crossings where speeding and driver distractions are the main causes of accidents.
Alicante's crossings have been installed by Tizor Hormigones y Asfaltos at a cost of 410,000 euros.
"In response to residents' requests, new green areas will now be created, the pavements will be landscaped, street lighting will be renewed to optimise energy efficiency, and the supply and drainage network in Avenida Irlanda will be improved.
"In addition, new paving will be installed and pedestrian crossings will be relocated to guarantee the safety of pedestrians," added the city council.
Also of interest: All Covid restrictions removed from Alicante water parks
Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante
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