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Smart pedestrian crossings are being planned for Tartu

Tartu City Government

The first will be located on Kesk Kaare Street, by the Tamme School, and the other will be located on Tähe Street, by the Forselius School.

The operating principle behind a smart pedestrian crossing relies on the use of the latest technology and various sensors to monitor the movement and speed of motor vehicles as well as cycle and pedestrian traffic at the pedestrian crossings, and to warn the different parties of any potential danger. The lighting solution at the smart pedestrian crossing will help drivers of vehicles to better notice pedestrians crossing the road.

According to Deputy Mayor Raimond Tamm, 80% of traffic accidents involving pedestrians take place at pedestrian crossings, which is why it is very important that they be made safer. ‘Due to weather conditions and the locations of pedestrian crossings it may be difficult for drivers of vehicles to notice pedestrians, although with the help of modern technology it is certainly possible to improve the situation substantially. If the first two smart pedestrian crossings justify themselves, then we will install similar solutions in eight additional locations over a period of two years,' said Tamm.

In addition to light signals and an audible warning regarding movement, the smart pedestrian crossing will also record pictures of what is taking place on the pedestrian crossing and will measure air and road temperature, to assess the likelihood of the development of a potentially hazardous situation. An added value is the ability to count vehicles.

The City Government sent the Council draft legislation regarding participation in the smart pedestrian crossing project. The construction of the innovative pedestrian crossings is being financed from the Innovation promoting procurement support measure of the European Regional Development Fund.

The pedestrian crossings will be built within a period of two years.

Last changed 15.05.2018