Innovative traffic light technology is to be installed on a busy Wolverhampton road to help improve pedestrian safety.

The city will be one of the first outside London to use countdown timers at crossings when they are installed at the Ring Road/Stafford Street junction.

This technology tells pedestrians how long they have to cross the road once the green man light has gone out and work to implement this will start tomorrow (26 October).

Wolverhampton City Council has been working closely with the University of Wolverhampton regarding their redevelopment works and the effect they are having on the highway.

Pedestrian safety was identified as a significant concern following an accident which resulted in the death of a University staff member. Further evidence shows that, between 2008 to 2012, there have been 23 accidents, 2 of which resulted in fatalities.

The authority's highways department proposed to provide far sided countdown timers and this has been authorised by the Department of Transport, following successful trials in the capital.

The project will be funded equally from the Traffic Signal Maintenance revenue budget, and by the DfT funded Urban Traffic Control Major Scheme for the West Midlands.

As well as improving pedestrian safety, this refurbishment project will enhance the junction and, with the use of LED signals, improve energy efficiency.

Work is anticipated to last 2 weeks and 4 way temporary traffic signals will be in operation while the refurbishment is carried out.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "The safety of all road users is of paramount importance and we hope this technology will result in a reduction of accidents at this location.

"We believe the countdown timers will reduce uncertainly for people trying to cross the busy junction and improve the flow of traffic.

"The trials held in London proved to be a success with road users and we are delighted to be installing this technology here in Wolverhampton."

  • released: Friday 25 October, 2013