The Western Australian government will trial a new flashing yellow caution light for turning traffic in Perth’s CBD.
The lights, used in cities throughout Europe, are being trialled from this Monday at the intersection of William Street and St Georges Terrace to alert traffic turning left or right to pedestrians crossing the road.
When pedestrians are giving the ‘green man’ walk symbol, turning traffic will observe the green traffic light as well as a flashing yellow caution light to reinforce that pedestrians have right of way.
The yellow caution light continues until the ‘green man’ and subsequent flashing ‘red man’ stop.
State Transport Minister Dean Nalder said in a statement that Main Roads WA had reviewed best practice around the world and developed this initiative in response to public feedback.
Flashing yellow caution lights are known internationally as best practice for improving pedestrian safety and have been implemented in many European cities, particularly in Barcelona and Vienna.
“Road users say there is confusion about who has right of way at crossings and that motorists simply do not know they must wait for pedestrians,” Mr. Nalder said.
After the month trial, Main Roads WA will assess if driver behaviour has improved through a before and after video study and onsite surveys with the public.
If successful, the trial will be extended to four more city intersections.