235 pedestrian crossings added to Green Man Plus Scheme
By Sarah Giam, The Straits Times, 4 May 2012
A ROAD safety scheme that gives elderly or disabled pedestrians a longer time to cross at the 'green man' signal is being expanded.
To extend the crossing time, they just tap an electronic card against a reader located above the button on the traffic light pole.
They then get three to 12 seconds of extra crossing time, depending on factors such as how wide the road is and how heavy the traffic is.
The Land Transport Authority is now expanding its Green Man Plus Scheme, after receiving favourable feedback about a pilot programme.
Since 2009, the card readers have been in place at five crossings - including one at Sinaran Drive near Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The five were chosen because they had a high flow of pedestrians and were located near facilities for senior citizens.
By early next year, 235 more pairs of traffic light poles in 13 estates will have been fitted with the technology.
Since 2009, the card readers have been in place at five crossings - including one at Sinaran Drive near Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The five were chosen because they had a high flow of pedestrians and were located near facilities for senior citizens.
By early next year, 235 more pairs of traffic light poles in 13 estates will have been fitted with the technology.
The authority estimates that 500 such pairs will be in place by 2014.
The elderly can activate the system with their Cepas-compliant concession cards - which also allow them to enjoy reduced transport fares.
By the end of the month, disabled members of several voluntary welfare organisations will be offered a Green Man Plus Card, which can be used in the same way.
When the reader is activated, a slim red rectangle of LED light will appear above it.
For disabled pedestrians, there will also be a sound alert and two vibration alerts to let them know that the crossing time has been extended.
The voluntary welfare groups involved in the scheme are the Handicaps Welfare Association, the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, the Society of Moral Charities, the Society for the Physically Disabled and the Spastic Children's Association of Singapore.
The voluntary welfare groups involved in the scheme are the Handicaps Welfare Association, the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, the Society of Moral Charities, the Society for the Physically Disabled and the Spastic Children's Association of Singapore.
The cards will also be given to the Centre for Enabled Living, which can then distribute them to other interested organisations.
Mr Phua Kok Tee, the chief executive of the Singapore Action Group of Elders, said the scheme was helpful, and feedback from elderly members showed that the pilot was a success.
'Older people tend to walk at a slower pace,' said the 74-year-old, who has used the card himself.
'This project has been helpful in making them feel safer when crossing the road.'
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