Institute of Transport Studies, University of Leeds
Abstract
This report describes the results of an evaluation of pilot project pedestrian detection systems installed in three different European cities at in total six different sites. The implemented systems had the improvement of safety and comfort of pedestrians as objectives. The systems provided early detection of pedestrians approaching the crossing facility and detection of the presence of pedestrian on the crossing facility, allowing the onset of a pedestrian green phase or an extension of such a green phase.
The evaluation involved the registration of pedestrian behaviour and pedestrian-vehicle encounters and conflicts. Pedestrian behaviour was recorded on videotape, conflicts were scored on the spot by trained observers. The behaviour recorded on videotape was later analysed using approach speed, nonnative behaviour and appropriate use of the crossing facilities as main indicators. In addition, pedestrian signal settings were recorded for each crossing. The evaluation design used a beforelafter measurement design with the after measurements being taken at least two weeks after the system implementation.
The results indicated that although red light violations were reduced at some sites, they remained at a high level. The implementations had some positive effects on the normative behaviour of pedestrians. The percentage of pedestrians getting involved in encounters with motorized traffic was reduced at one site, increased at another and remained unchanged at the other sites. A significant reduction in conflicts was observed at several sites, but at other sites conflict occurrence remained unchanged.
The system implementations had a very distinct positive effect on pedestrian delay. Required waiting times were reduced at all but one site and at some sites the reductions were substantial. Pedestrian comfort was also improved by an increase in the percentage of pedestrians arriving durhg the pedestrian green phase and the percentage being able to complete their crossing during pedestrian green.
In summary, the evaluation study demonstrated that some safety effects and substantial effect on comfort were achieved by the implementation of the systems. The effects can be further optimized by selecting sites that fulfil specific requirements for successful implementation. Red light violation by pedestrian remains a serious safety problem and further studies should be undertaken how further reductions can be achieved by optimizing signal settings
