Comment: Stop and think on touchless push buttons

03/12/2020 | MARK PLEYDELL

Mark Pleydell, executive committee member of the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM), discusses non-contact alternatives to pedestrian push buttons.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of a raft of technology solutions that avoid the need for pedestrians to press the button at pedestrian crossings.

While these may go some way towards reducing the number of surfaces and infection opportunities a pedestrian encounters during a journey, they introduce a much larger range of issues that need to be addressed. This note looks at these solutions in the round, and explores their compatibility with existing traffic control systems.

When the COVID-19 epidemic is history what role will these devices play?

The obvious benefit is to the mobility impaired or other disabled users.

Were I in this category, one of the first things I would want of services intended to improve accessibility for me, would be uniformity of experience and use whether I am in Aberdeen, Portrush, Swansea or Plymouth.

For devices activated by gesture, the same gesture in the same direction at the same point on every push button unit would be a good start. For wirelessly linked units, one standardised app that works everywhere would also be good, the same way my bank card can get me money from everyone's cash point.

Beyond these user-interaction points, the engineers should be asking how these devices draw power, where from and what effect that might have on lamp monitoring; what failure effects look like and how they impact on the signal controller and efficient and safe operation of the crossing; and many related questions.

Traffic engineers should ask how wireless solutions work at dual crossings or pedestrian facilities at junctions?

A user request that puts a demand into every crossing within range is not a good outcome.

TOPAS is compiling and will shortly circulate a draft specification for consultation on non-contact alternatives to buttons to try and prevent an epidemic of diverse and random solutions of varying merit being deployed in an uncontrolled manner by users whose immediate enthusiasm may lead to their and the public's longer-term distress.

Experience with LED traffic signal lamp monitoring, controller configuration commands and speed warning signs are all cautionary tales in respect of over-enthusiastic adoption of novel solutions.

We, the UK’s traffic control community, need to consider the likely longer term outcome, ensuring that products meet some basis levels of functionality and don’t cause more problems than they address.

And as a corollary, the traffic engineers among you may want to consider the merits of altering kerb-side detection from a call-cancel facility to a demand input facility.

While this may not work everywhere, a relatively simple piece of special conditioning can filter out, or at least minimise, demands from passing pedestrians.

And reverting to the COVID-19 theme, in March we were encouraged to bump elbows as a substitute for shaking hands - elbows might also activate buttons.

Well thought through innovation is always welcome, but it does have to be well thought through by manufacturers and by users.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW