1 May 2000

Its replacement may be a more recognisable symbol with a function similar to the motorists’ amber traffic light.

This is one of several hundred suggestions provided to the Christchurch City Council to improve the lot for pedestrians. They came from of an 18-month Christchurch City Council study to produce the Pedestrian Policy Statement and Strategy.

In the 18 months opinions came from surveys, focus groups, six Community Boards, and public submissions. From that work the Council produced the strategy which says the Council is committed to the support of pedestrians and the "encouragement of walking as a method of travel and for social recreation."

The Council will place emphasis on the integration of pedestrian needs in all projects.

The next stage will be to take about 200 suggestions for changes, such as more pedestrian crossings, more footpaths, and the changing the flashing red light at controlled pedestrian intersections.

"Many people were confused by the symbol and think it means that pedestrians should not cross when it flashes, but it has the same weight as the amber light for motorists," says City Council Traffic Engineer and Pedestrian Advocate, Michael Thomson. The flashing red man also confuses vehicle drivers, he says

One suggestion is that the pedestrian lights be changed to have a similar function as the motorists’ amber traffic light.

The ideas will now be analysed and developed into an Implementation Plan that will also cover costs and priorities. Once completed funding will be sought in the City Council’s annual plan process.

A monitoring report will be presented to the Council every three years.

The objectives of the pedestrian strategy are to improve safety for pedestrians, improve the walking experience for pedestrians, and to improve the image of walking.

Further information: Traffic Engineer and Pedestrian Advocate, Michael Thomson: 941 8950.