An evaluation of pedestrian countdown timers in the Sydney CBD

Pedestrians are a vulnerable road user group, and represent a substantial proportion of relatively severe road trauma. Pedestrian countdown timers are a display next to the pedestrian lanterns that provide pedestrians with additional information at signalised crossings, with the aim of encouraging them to finish crossing within the allotted time, and ultimately improve pedestrian safety. In order to quantify the safety benefits of pedestrian countdown timers operating during the FLASHING DON'T WALK pedestrian signal phase, a trial was undertaken in the Sydney CBD to determine the impact of pedestrian countdown timers on pedestrian crossing behaviour and attitudes toward the use of this technology. The trial observed the changes in pedestrian behaviour before and after installation of PCT at two locations in the CBD. Observations were made of the number of pedestrians that start and finish during each interval (WALK, FLASHING DON'T WALK, STEADY DON'T WALK). An assessment was also made of community perception through an intercept survey. This paper will provide an overview of the RTA trial including the background, method employed and outcomes of the trial in terms of the effectiveness of PCT in improving pedestrian safety.