New ‘Smart Crossing’ technology that could help make pedestrians, cyclists & drivers safer and more aware of each other has been unveiled in London.

The Smart Crossing reacts dynamically in real-time to different conditions.

Developed by Umbrellium for Direct Line, the prototype technology automatically differentiates between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and uses sensors and LED road surface to change the crossing markings dynamically to keep users safe, based on research from the Transport Research Laboratory.

This includes widening the crossing for larger groups, warning drivers of pedestrians crossing in blind spots, and adapting to protect pedestrians in emergency situations, such as a child chasing a ball into the path of oncoming traffic. It can also spot pedestrians who are using mobile phones and not paying attention to the road, and alert them accordingly.

The technology has received backing from road safety charity Brake and The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) – who stated that the Smart Crossing “could offer an innovative solution across the UK and especially in London where the problem is most prevalent”.For more of the latest industry news, click here.