Pedestrians in the city will face the first of Brisbane’s new timed pedestrian “don’t walk” signals from today.

The introduction of the timers is part of a $250,000 one-month trial aimed at improving safety on city streets.

Paige Hasaballah reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The mayor is proving he can walk the walk when it comes to road safety by introducing timers around the city.

But a similar trial conducted in Sydney last year found that the countdown timers didn’t improve safety.

The trial also found the timers had a negative impact on pedestrian compliance as the number of people crossing during the ‘flashing don’t walk’ signal increased.

Graham Quirk, Brisbane Lord Mayor: “They don’t change the rule, which is once the red flashing man commences you do not cross the road.”

If Brisbane’s trial is successful the mayor is prepared to install more timers.

Graham Quirk, Brisbane Lord Mayor: “This will cost a million dollars over four years to roll them out, so uh, there will be several hundred of these devices which will be rolled out over the 40 intersections involved.”

The intersections considered for the timers include several suburbs.

Responses to the city’s new pedestrian countdown timers are varied. Some believe this won’t deter jaywalkers, though many agree it’s about time Brisbane caught up with the rest of the world.

Vox 1:”Look there’s a lot of jaywalkers but I think its a good idea.”

Vox 2:”Look there is a percentage of people who are always going to cross whether the lights are red, green or any other colour.”

Vox 3:”Yeah look, I think it’s really good for people cutting across the street. I’ve used them in Auckland, yeah so really, really like them.”

From now until October, pedestrian, cyclist and motorist’s behaviour will be closely monitored.

That will complement a public survey to see just how successful the timers have been.

Paige Hasaballah, QUT News.