By Ella Smook, Metro Writer – from Cape Argus, South Africa 10/14/09
Capetonians with visual and hearing disabilities could find navigating the city’s roads somewhat safer in future, following the city’s announcement that it will equip all new road intersections with vibrating audio-signal buttons to ensure safe crossing.
Mayco member for transport Elizabeth Thompson yesterday demonstrated the device at the crossing outside the Cape Town Society for the Blind in Salt River.
As part of the public participation process around the Integrated Rapid Transit plan, the city received several calls for these devices from organisations representing disabled people.
Disabled People South Africa, the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled, the Institute for the Promotion of Disabled Manpower and the Western Cape Network on Disability all made submissions.
The organisations also called for improved accessibility and safety for disabled people using roads and transport.
Thompson said the initiative was part of the city’s efforts to cater to all people, and that its launch was linked to Transport Month in October.
“For a long time, visually impaired people and people with special needs have been feeling left out.
“The device makes the crossing of roads much easier, as not all people have someone accompanying them. The city is very excited about it.”
The Audio Tactile Pedestrian Detector launched at Tuesday’s ceremony aids blind and deaf pedestrians by providing both audio and tactile signals, indicating that the “go”light is on.
The device beeps and vibrates when it is safe to cross.
It also allows enough time for crossing, as well as raising the volume of the siren to compensate for traffic noise.
In the rollout of the device, priority will be given to intersections around institutions catering for people with special needs.
- Thanks to bhNEWS and NVRC, Fairfax
