Direct Line showcases The Smart Crossing in London

In response to 7,000 incidents taking place at pedestrian crossings each year in Britain, Direct Line has unveiled the new Smart Crossing in London which has been developed by urban design technologists Umbrellium. The Smart Crossing uses research from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), which identified many factors that impact the safety of pedestrians on road crossings. These include, the pedestrian’s position and route as they cross the road, the influence of other pedestrians dangerously crossi
October 10, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
In response to 7,000 incidents taking place at pedestrian crossings each year in Britain, 4236 Direct Line has unveiled the new 5062 Smart Crossing in London which has been developed by urban design technologists Umbrellium.


The Smart Crossing uses research from the Transport Research Laboratory (491 TRL), which identified many factors that impact the safety of pedestrians on road crossings. These include, the pedestrian’s position and route as they cross the road, the influence of other pedestrians dangerously crossing the road and the impact of overcrowding at crossing facilities.

The Smart Crossing spans 7.5m x 22m of responsive road surface and uses computer vision technology to see what is happening around it, and an LED road surface to change its markings to keep users safe. It can pre-empt pedestrians’ movement and where the eyeline is most likely to be without manual intervention. The Smart Crossing can also widen to accommodate large groups, which could help reduce the number of crowd-related incidents outside schools or sporting events. In addition, it assists in emergency situations, such as a child chasing a ball into the path of oncoming traffic. Smart warning signals can also be used to ensure pedestrians are not hidden by high sided vehicles which can create a blind spot for other drivers. Finally, the smart crossing can use dynamic road and pavement patterns to urge pedestrians using their mobile phones to look up and focus on the crossing.

Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at road safety charity, Brake said, “This innovative pilot is a great example of how technology can help to improve road safety. We look forward to seeing the results of this trial and hope Smart Crossings will be rolled out in towns and cities across the country."

Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • M&S looks all around to reduce collisions
    June 20, 2014
    UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is trialling the latest 360-degree camera system from Brigade and technology partner, ASL Vision, to further improve safety on its lorry fleet. As systems offering a surround view in a single image become more widespread on rigid trucks, M&S wants to find out if the benefits can be extended to articulated vehicles. An initial trial was set up using the Backeye 360 Elite system from Brigade Electronics with powerful software from ASL Vision at its core. The trial is now to b
    Read More
  • MVIS, HRS partner on workzone safety
    September 19, 2014
    Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS) and the creator of the Intellicone temporary work zone safety system, Highway Resource Solutions (HRS), have teamed up to create the Safelane automated traffic management system and the Multisafe Smart VMS. The companies say these are the first temporary road maintenance safety solutions to combine industry-leading modular electronic perimeters and variable message signs (VMS), providing a cost-efficient method of improving the safety of both road workers and road
    Read More
  • London’s strategy to tackle air quality problems
    October 21, 2014
    Colin Sowman talks to Matthew Pencharz, the man charged with charting London’s path between catering for traveller needs, conserving ancient buildings and conforming to modern air quality standards.
    Read More
  • Mayor unveils expanded traffic-busting plans to keep London moving
    September 30, 2015
    The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has unveiled the new measures Transport for London (TfL) is introducing to ease traffic in the capital and minimise disruption on the roads as major work to improve the network continues as part of the Mayor’s US$6 billion Road Modernisation Plan. The innovations include: Trials of new technology - for the first time on the TfL road network a new generation of digital road signs will provide people with real-time information on journeys using major routes into London.
    Read More

Highlighted Content