Pedestrian traffic light

Traffic signals are highly complex systems. On the one hand, they prevent people from getting in each other's way at an intersection; on the other, they support the smoothest possible flow of traffic. Sensors in the asphalt detect whether and how many cars and bicycles are approaching an intersection and how long the green phases should be in order to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible from all directions. However, one group of road users has so far been ignored: pedestrians.

As part of a pilot test, the Office for Mobility tested new possibilities for intelligent pedestrian control at the pedestrian light signal system in Flughafenstrasse. The aim was to adjust the green and red phases to the needs of pedestrians and to regulate them in a more demand-oriented way. To this end, the traffic signal system was equipped with appropriate measuring sensors and artificial intelligence. In the future, it will be possible to adjust the duration of the green phase to the number of people who want to cross the street. In addition, people approaching an intersection - just like cars and bicycles - can be registered at an early stage. The traffic light system therefore recognizes that a person is about to cross the road and switches to green at the next opportunity. If there are no vehicles at the intersection at that moment, this person automatically gets green immediately without having to press the traffic light button.

In connection with the pilot test, surveys were carried out from May to June 2019, which should provide insights into whether the technology used can achieve a gain in comfort for pedestrian traffic. The automatic and early registration - i.e. without pressing the traffic light button - met with great approval among pedestrians. This measure reduced the waiting time by more than 60 percent. For larger groups or people with limited mobility, the system with an automatically longer green phase is also convenient. However, the extended green phase also applies in reverse for cars or bicycles: traffic becomes more fluid.

The pilot test has shown that an improvement for all road users can clearly be achieved here. The technology can also be used to extend the green phase at longer pedestrian crossings and especially near school buildings and facilities for senior citizens.