The City of Cape Town has implemented thermal sensors at four of the busiest pedestrian crossings in Blaauwberg that carry high volumes of traffic. Although new to South Africa, this innovative system is widely used across Europe to improve traffic flow.
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The new technology operates with an all-around detection sensor that uses a thermal image to detect pedestrians and bicycles. Officials will keep on monitoring the system and make changes as needed.
The thermal sensors have been installed at four pedestrian crossings along Marine Drive and Otto du Plessis Drive in Blaauwberg:
- Along Marine Drive opposite Milky Lane
- Along Otto du Plessis Drive opposite Seal Road
- Along Otto du Plessis Drive at Shell Road
- Along Otto du Plessis Drive close to Hill Road, opposite Doodles
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.
Quintas explains how the thermal sensors will improve traffic flow, “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.
“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.”
Councillor Quintas concludes, “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.
“The sensors may be implemented at other locations in future, depending on suitability and funding.”
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Picture: City of Cape Town