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

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness 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