| Innovative thermal pedestrian crossings sensing your moves | Innovative thermal pedestrian crossings sensing your moves | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p><strong><em><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"century gothic", sans-serif;">The City of Cape Town has implemented thermal sensors at four pedestrian
crossings in Blaauwberg, the first of its kind in South Africa. This innovative
system is widely used in Europe to improve traffic flow, and Councillor Rob
Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, and members of
the City’s Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility visited the crossings earlier
today as part of their Transport Month oversight tour. </span></em></strong><br></p> | <p></p><span><p>The thermal sensors have been installed at four pedestrian crossings along Marine Drive and Otto du Plessis Drive in Blaauwberg, busy routes that carry high volumes of traffic:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Along Marine Drive opposite Milky Lane</li><li>Along Otto du Plessis Drive opposite Seal Road</li><li>Along Otto du Plessis Drive at Shell Road</li><li>Along Otto du Plessis Drive close to Hill Road, opposite Doodles<br></li></ul>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/thermal%20crossing1.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1959px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>'We often see that vehicles are queuing at red traffic signals long after pedestrians have crossed the road. With this innovative system, the thermal sensors at pedestrian crossings are used to detect whether there is any pedestrian movement. Should the pedestrian leave the detection zone before the pedestrian cycle is activated, the pedestrian request will be cancelled altogether. Thus, vehicles will not be stopped unnecessarily.</p><p> </p><p>'Hopefully with the thermal sensors at these crossings we will have fewer red light violations and frustrated drivers. The innovative system will also assist with traffic flow and pollution from idling vehicles. A huge bonus is that this system is less prone to vandalism – we often find the pushbuttons at pedestrian crossings are jammed with sticks or broken. A thermal pedestrian crossing does not require pushbuttons, seeing that it operates automatically,' said Councillor Quintas.<br></p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/thermal%20crossing2.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:866px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>The new technology operates with an all-round detection sensor that uses a thermal image to detect pedestrians and bicycles. Officials will keep on monitoring the system and make changes as needed.</p><p> </p><p>'The system is not affected by low lighting conditions or even total darkness as they are using thermal imaging to detect presence. Thus, it provides reliable detection 24/7 and works well in all weather conditions. I'm very impressed with the Urban Mobility officials who investigated and piloted the system. It is good to know we have staff who are always looking for innovative solutions to improve road safety and mobility,' said Councillor Quintas.</p><p> </p><p>The sensors may be implemented at other locations in future, depending on suitability and funding.<br></p>
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<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/thermal%20crossingjpg.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:997px;" /> </figure></span><p><strong>First caption:</strong> Dalene Campbell, the City's Executive Director for Urban Mobility, explains to Councillor Rob Quintas, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, how the system operates. Cllr Quintas and members of the City's Urban Mobility Portfolio Committee went out to Blaauwberg earlier today to see how the new thermal pedestrian crossings work. This innovative system, used to improve traffic flow, has been piloted over the past few months.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Second caption: </strong>From left to right: Councillors Rob Quintas and Wouter de Vos, the City's Executive Director for Urban Mobility, Dalene Campbell, and Councillor Nicola Jowell use the pedestrian crossing at Otto du Plessis Drive close to Hill Road (opposite Doodles) where the City has implemented thermal sensors to improve traffic flow.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Third caption:</strong> The technology have been installed at four pedestrian crossings in Blaauwberg. These pedestrian crossings do not need a push button, but is equipped with an all-round detection sensor that uses a thermal image to detect pedestrians and bicycles within the pedestrian zone. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2022-10-10T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#f3223853-467d-44ec-a9b7-a222a9930e88;L0|#0f3223853-467d-44ec-a9b7-a222a9930e88|technological innovation;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#762de267-90ad-4660-8493-5085a227187c;L0|#0762de267-90ad-4660-8493-5085a227187c|Transport;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#849c71d3-ed9d-4ce2-89f6-03e9c6f179ef;GPP|#ed82ebba-eb32-4b9a-99c9-da3e081869a6 | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
