‘Covid-compliant’ pedestrian crossing installed in Chesterfield
A touch-free pedestrian crossing has been installed in Chesterfield.
It has been introduced on Saltergate as part of a trial by Derbyshire County Council (DCC).
Pedestrians can hold their hand under the black box instead of pushing the button.
A DCC spokesperson said: “We’re trialling hands-free technology originally developed to help people with sight and other impairments.
“As this involves the crossings being activated without the need to touch the buttons there are also benefits with regards to Covid safety.
“It’s being introduced at a crossing at the junction on Saltergate in Chesterfield and others around the county where road safety improvements or crossing refurbishments were already planned.
“If the trial is successful, we will look at the potential for introducing this technology on more pedestrian crossings in Derbyshire.”
Ed Fordham, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s a great piece of good technology which will help to reassure residents and visitors to the town that we are putting their safety first.”