AU2013101353A4 - Improvements to Pedestrian Crossings - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS 5 A pedestrian crossing (15) having a visual warning system (10) typically lighting devices (16) which define or extend along or adjacent at least a boundary of at least one side of the crossing (15) and trigging means for triggering the lighting devices (16) to sequentially cause illumination of the lighting devices (16) to indicated the direction of movement of a person (22) approaching or on the 10 crossing (15). 4 t 26 <NZ 'x~-' -. >18

Description

1 IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS Technical Field 5 This invention relates to improvements to pedestrian crossings and typically but not exclusive to pedestrian crossings of the type known as zebra crossings. In particular, the present invention relates to warning or signalling apparatus designed to warn drivers of a person or persons intending to enter, approaching or located on a pedestrian crossing. 10 Background Art Road or pedestrian crossings are commonly used across roadways to assist a person to cross the roadway and in the case of zebra crossing 15 comprise a plurality of parallel bars or strips which are painted on the roadway usually in white paint to designate a safe area where persons can cross the roadway and also to warn the drivers of a potential area where pedestrians or other persons crossing a road may be located. 20 An inherent Australian problem with pedestrian crossings however is that new generations have grown up with the perception that once a person is about to or has entered a pedestrian crossing, all traffic is obligated to halt without question. This is because Australia is one of the few countries where the pedestrian is in the right no matter the circumstances. This "walk without 25 looking" attitude is contrary to the old school teachings of look left, right and then left again and can be seen to be a major cause of crossing incidences causing injury. Compounding problems to pedestrian crossings is our urban 30 environment, namely shop fronts that commonly encroach on the public footpath space due for example to the introduction of alfresco dinning. Establishments of this type are now legally able to extend their footprint to incorporate the footpath including the curbside. In many cases these 2 extensions, even though temporary structures, encumber the vision of motorists to potential pedestrian's movements towards and onto the crossing. In some cases, overhead lighting has been installed to illuminate the 5 pedestrian crossing to aid motorists in poorly lit environments. These lights do little to aid motorists at twilight and if incorrectly adjusted shine directly into the motorists eyes causing impaired vision at the most crucial time usually metres from the crossing. 10 A further problem with pedestrian crossings arises where a person entering the crossing is pushing a stroller as the stroller extends forwardly of the person pushing and is the first thing which enters the crossing. Strollers are thus particularly susceptible to being hit by vehicles which can result in severe injury and death to a child in the stroller. 15 Yet a further problem arises with aged persons who may enter the road crossing and not be aware of approaching motorists. Persons of this type are thus particularly susceptible to being struck by vehicles. 20 Yet a further problem arises both with aged persons or disabled persons who are driving mobility scooters or vehicles. Scooters or vehicles of this type are typically driven by electric motors and travel at a speed higher than normal walking speed. As a result, if scooters or vehicles of this type are driven onto a pedestrian road crossing, they are more likely to be struck by a motorist who 25 may be unaware of the rapid entry of the vehicle or scooter onto the crossing. Current pedestrian crossing designations are inadequate for many locations and lighting conditions. For example stripes painted on the roadway surface are difficult to see even under optimum circumstances and crossings 30 caution signs are all too often lost in the clutter of business signage, buildings or parked buses and delivery trucks. Various systems have been proposed to alert motorists of pedestrian crossings. For example, such crossings are often marked with lights on posts 3 adjacent opposite ends of the crossing to warn motorists of the presence of the crossing and thus the potential location of pedestrians. Warning lights of this type however are not particularly effective. 5 Sometimes to enhance the appearance of a pedestrian crossing and to make drivers more aware of the existence of a crossing, crossings are constructed on a raised region of a roadway, the raised region also acting as a "speed bump" to slow vehicles as drivers drive over a crossing. Whilst this arrangement may slow motorists, it does not necessarily make a motorist more 10 aware of the existence of a crossing or slow the vehicle before the designated crossing area. Although pedestrian safety concerns are usually associated with the younger generation, recent studies of pedestrian/vehicle collisions which have 15 resulted in serious injury or death have determined that the elderly or disabled individuals, even though using the pedestrian crossing correctly when struck, are a higher risk group. Among the disabled group are deaf people who require more visual cues 20 to alert them of potential hazards. It would be highly desirable to provide crossings with highly visible alerts indicating to the deaf person that it is safe to cross. Blind people are also disadvantaged at many pedestrian crossings. 25 Although some inner suburban and city crossings provide audible cues many do not. It would be highly desirable to provide audible signals at pedestrian crossings more widely to cater for the blind or visually impaired. Providing cheap and easily installed audible signal devices would be highly desirable. Blind people are also disadvantaged in that they cannot know if oncoming 30 motorists have been alerted to their intention to cross at a pedestrian crossing, if it is not a traffic light crossing with audible alerts. Therefore it would be highly desirable to provide an automatic warning to oncoming motorists that a pedestrian is about to cross. This would give blind people a high degree of confidence to cross a crossing safely.

4 It is therefore apparent that an improved warning or signalling system for pedestrian crossings is required which addresses one or more of the above disadvantages and which in particular will alert vehicular traffic to the presence of pedestrians or other persons approaching or using a crossing. 5 Summary of the Invention The present invention thus provides in a first embodiment and first aspect although not necessarily the broadest aspect, a pedestrian crossing 10 which extends across a roadway and which has opposite entry/exit ends, a plurality of spaced apart visual warning devices arranged transversely of said roadway and located along or adjacent at least one side boundary of said crossing between said opposite ends, and means for triggering or activating said warning devices comprising at least two sensors to provide information 15 regarding the presence and direction of movement of a pedestrian to cause operation thereof sequentially in a direction from one end to the other said end of said crossing to thereby indicate to motorists on said roadway and approaching said crossing the direction of movement of said person or a device ridden on or pushed by said person towards an end of said crossing for the 20 purposes of crossing said crossing or on said crossing. The term "pedestrian crossing" as used throughout the specification includes any form of designated road crossing particularly designed to be used by pedestrians but also for use by persons using mobility aid vehicles or 25 scooters, wheelchairs or other vehicles. The pedestrian crossing may be of the type including a series of strips or parallel bars parallel to the roadway and extending transversely across the roadway. 30 Typically the warning devices comprise lighting devices. The lighting devices may be semi-conductor type lighting devices such as light emitting diodes. Alternatively the lighting devices may be incandescent or gas lighting devices.

5 Preferably the triggering or activating means includes sensing means which are adapted to sense a person approaching an end of the pedestrian crossing and also the direction of movement of the person relative to the crossing so as to cause triggering or activation of the warning devices. 5 Preferably the sensing means comprise one or more motion sensors positioned at or adjacent both ends of the crossing to sense persons approaching the crossing from opposite ends. The sensing means are also suitably positioned to sense the presence of pedestrians of a range of different 10 sizes as well as mobility assistance vehicles or scooters, shopping trolleys or any other devices ridden by or pushed by a person. Preferably the motion sensors at each end of the crossing comprise at least one pair of sensors spaced apart in the direction of movement of a person 15 approaching an end of the crossing so as to enable sensing of the direction of movement of the person. The motion sensors may be located on upstanding posts or bollards which not only will position the motion sensors such that they will clearly detect persons approaching the crossing but also persons on mobility vehicles or pushing trolleys, strollers or other objects. 20 Alternatively or additionally, the triggering or activating means comprises manual triggering or activating means such as a push button or switch which may be actuated manually by a pedestrian or other person wishing to cross the crossing or alternatively by a person acting as a crossing guard or monitor to 25 trigger or activate the warning devices. Indicating means may be provided to indicate to a pedestrian or other person that the warning means has been triggered or activated. The indicating means may include one or more indicating lights. The indicating light or lights 30 may be mounted on the aforesaid bollards or posts. Alternatively or additionally, audible indicating means may be provided such as on the bollards or posts to provide an audible signal such as a series of clicks or spoken words to indicate activation of the warning means and actuation of the visual warning devices.

6 The indicating lights may be mounted on the side of the bollards. Preferably the indicating lights, when mounted on the side of the bollards, may include a vertical row of indicating lights. 5 More preferably the vertical row of indicating lights mounted on the side of the bollards can flash in a specified pattern to indicate to the pedestrian that the warning system has been engaged. 10 Further safety lights may be provided to provide a visual indication of the pedestrian crossing from a distance especially to oncoming motorists. Preferably these safety lights are mounted on the top of the bollards or posts. 15 More preferably the safety lights are activated automatically in low light. More preferably still the safety lights are activated by an ambient light photo sensor which detects low ambient light and provides a signal to activate 20 the safety lights. It is more preferable that the safety lights, when activated by the ambient light photo sensor in low light, may provide half power illumination. 25 Preferably, when the warning system is activated in low light the safety lights are illuminated to full power. The present invention in another aspect provides a warning system for use with a pedestrian crossing which extends across a roadway and which has 30 opposite entry/exit ends at opposite footpaths, said warning system comprising a plurality of spaced apart visual warning devices adapted to be located at spaced apart transverse positions on said roadway to define or extend along or adjacent at least one side boundary of said crossing, and triggering or activating means for triggering or activating said warning devices sequentially in 7 a direction from one end to the other end of said crossing to indicate to motorists on said roadway and approaching said crossing the direction of movement of a person or a device ridden by or pushed by a person towards an end of said crossing for the purposes of crossing said crossing or on said 5 crossing. Preferably control means are associated with the warning means and triggering or activating means and are adapted to activate the warning devices when the presence of a person approaching the crossing from one or the other 10 end is sensed or detected. The triggering or activating means additionally or alternatively may include manual triggering means to enable the warning means to be triggered or activated manually. The control means may comprise a programmable control means or computer which enables the operation of the warning means to be selectively adjusted. The control means may also control 15 the sensitivity of the triggering or activating means. The warning devices of the warning system suitably comprise a plurality of lighting devices such as light emitting diodes most preferably high intensity light emitting diodes and the lighting devices are spaced apart across the 20 roadway on or adjacent at least one side of a pedestrian crossing to extend from one side of the roadway to the other. Preferably the lighting devices are surface mounted on or partially embedded within a roadway. If a person is approaching the crossing from one end, the lighting device 25 nearest that end will be initially activated either automatically by the automatic triggering or activating means or manually by the person and each lighting device across the roadway triggered in turn. Preferably sensing means associated with the control means are 30 provided to enable a person or device and the direction of movement of a person or device approaching an end of the pedestrian crossing to be sensed.

8 Preferably the sensing means comprise motion sensors. Preferably the motion sensors comprise at least one pair of sensors spaced apart in the direction of movement of a person approaching the crossing. 5 It may be preferred that the motion sensors comprise at least one transmitter for transmitting a light beam and one receiver for detecting a light beam. Preferably also the control means is adapted to control the intensity of 10 illumination of the lighting devices such that the intensity of illumination can be varied depending upon the light of the surrounding environment and depending upon whether it is daytime or night time. It may also be preferred that the control means can be configured to 15 activate lighting devices in a desired flashing pattern. It is preferred that the lighting devices may be securely embedded within the road. Preferably, for each lighting device a hole in the middle of the road is provided for mounting the lighting device. Preferably, each lighting device and 20 therefore each hole may be spaced apart from each other across the roadway. Preferably the lighting devices may be placed at each end of the strips or parallel bars of the pedestrian crossing. 25 It may be preferred that the lighting devices be placed between successive strips or parallel bars of the pedestrian crossing in line with the either end of the strips or parallel bars. Preferably the lighting devices may comprise a first part comprising light 30 sources and a second part for embedding into the road. It is more preferred that the second part, when installed in its preferred position in the road, may have a top part that lies flush with the road. Preferably, the first part may be mounted into the second part, wherein the top of the first part sits just above the surface of the road.

9 It is more preferred that the first part of each lighting device may comprise four light sources on a first side and one light source on a second side, wherein the first side and second side are opposite to one another. Preferably the one light source may be directed towards the crossing to 5 illuminate the crossing and the four light sources face in the direction of roadway traffic approaching the crossing. Preferably the one light source on the second side may be switched on in low light. More preferably the one light source on the second side, when activated in low light, is set to half power when the warning system is not activated and to full power when the warning 10 system is activated. More preferably still the one light source on the second side remains on constantly either at full power when activated by the warning system or at half power when switched on in low light. More preferably the one light source on the first side may be activated by an ambient light photo sensor. 15 Preferably the four light sources on the first side may be controlled separately to the one light source on the second side. More preferably the four light sources on the first side can be controlled by the control means to flash in a desired pattern. 20 Preferably the first part may be removably attached to the second part. More preferably the first part may be removably attached to the second part by fastening means. More preferably still the fastening means may be screws. 25 It is preferred that the first part may be essentially dome shaped such that when removably attached to the second part the dome of the first part sits just above the road surface. Preferably the first part may comprise two voids adapted to provide an 30 opening to project light from the light sources to road users. It is preferred that the second part may comprise a flange at a base of the second part to anchor the second part within the road when installed. The second part in a preferred form may include a semi-tubular structure for providing a conduit for wiring for the lighting devices. Preferably, the first part and second part when attached to 10 each other may further comprise a seal means for providing a water tight seal between the first part and the second part. Preferably the seal means may be an o-ring fitted within a recess in the second part to form a water tight seal between the first and second part. 5 It is preferred that the light sources may be light emitting diodes. More preferably, the light emitting diodes may be a multi-coloured light emitting diode selected from the visible light wavelengths with a very high level of brightness. 10 In a preferred form the warning system may include a means to provide a data signal that is detectable by a portable electronic device wirelessly to indicate that the pedestrian crossing is in close proximity. Preferably, a wireless transmitter is included in one or more bollards for 15 transmitting the data signal. Preferably, there may be provided phone software, adapted to be installed on a mobile electronic device, capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data communications, for receiving and processing the phone signal. 20 More preferably, the phone software may be adapted to broadcast a tangible and/or audible signal to a phone user to alert the phone user that they are close to the pedestrian crossing. 25 The warning system may be powered by the existing power supply used for road lighting or the like or alternatively may be a renewable energy source. Preferably the renewable energy source may be solar power, wind power, other renewable energy source or a combination thereof. It is preferred that the renewably energy source may comprise an energy storage means. Preferably 30 the energy storage means may be an accumulator. Preferably the renewable energy source may comprise a control system to regulate power usage from the direct supply from the solar power, wind power or other renewably energy source to stored supply from the storage means. Preferably the control system for the renewable energy source may be a part of the control means.

11 Typically the control means comprises a main control unit which suitably includes of a single board computer which is adapted to control all operations of the warning system. The main control unit may perform one or more of the following functions: 5 scan the triggering switches for input by a pedestrian requiring the system to be activated; adjust the brightness of the lighting system manually or remotely (wireless); adjust the timed sequence of the flashing lights, manually or remotely (wireless); 10 deactivate the lighting system after a preset time has expired and place the system in standby; monitor the condition of the maintenance free batteries and charging system for powering the system; monitor the lighting system for faults; and 15 maintain a log of times and frequency of activations for compilation of data reports. A communication module may be associated with the main control unit to enable the system to be controlled or monitored remotely for example 20 wirelessly to carry out the functions described above. For this purpose a communications module may be associated with the main control unit. Preferably the remote control or monitoring feature allows the warning system to be turned off or on and monitored for general faults by use of either radio or cellular communication. Thus the system may be monitored remotely where a 25 person acting as a designated crossing guard is present for only a short period of the day (for example during school commencing and finishing hours) when the frequency of pedestrians is high. The remote control or monitoring system may also allow the system to be used in the automated mode when the guard is not present. 30 In a preferred form the warning system may include a sound device which is activated by the control means when the warning system is activated.

12 Preferably the sound device, when activated, produces an audible warning to pedestrians that the warning system has been activated and when it is about to be deactivated. 5 Preferably the sound device may provide an intermittent human voice warning. It is preferable that the warning system may be able to perform self analysis for faults. 10 Preferably the warning system may be able to report system faults to a central location. More preferably the warning system may have a default mode where all 15 lighting devices and indicating lights flash to indicate there is a system fault. More preferably still the default mode may be overridden. In a second embodiment the invention provides any one or combination 20 of features of the first aspect but the sensing means are positioned in a triangular configuration. Preferably each sensing means comprises two transmitters and two receivers for transmitting light and detecting light respectively. 25 Preferably the sensing means may detect the direction of travel of the pedestrian. Preferably the sensing means are adapted to detect the direction of 30 travel of the pedestrian by having two beams of light travelling between each bollard.

13 Preferably the sensing means can detect when a pedestrian is within the triangular configuration of sensing means of the second embodiment of the invention. 5 Preferably the sensing means may detect when the pedestrian moves from within the triangular configuration of sensing means to the roadway part of the crossing. More preferably the main control unit may be adapted to determine the 10 direction of travel of the pedestrian past any two of the sensing means and to determine if the pedestrian has moved into the triangular configuration of sensing means; moved from the triangular configuration of sensing means onto the roadway or has exited the triangular configuration of sensing means to the corresponding footpath. 15 More preferably still the main control unit may be adapted to determine if a pedestrian has exited the crossing based on the sequence that the light beams are broken by the pedestrian 20 In a third embodiment the invention provides any one or combination of features of the first or second aspect but there are four sensing means in a rectangular configuration. Preferably the sides of the rectangular configuration defined by the four 25 sensing means and which are parallel to the roadway are spaced apart to a suitable width. Preferably pairs of the sensing means are joined by a rigid cross member such that a joined pair of sensing means are positioned perpendicular 30 to the length of said roadway for use in school crossings. In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising the steps: a) a pedestrian moving towards a pedestrian crossing; 14 b) the pedestrian may manually initiate warning lights activation by pressing a switch or push button, or the pedestrian breaks a path or paths of light beams between two sensing means, at least one sensing means located distally to the roadway, initiating a signal 5 that the pedestrian is moving towards a roadway part of the pedestrian crossing; c) indicating lights on the bollards switching on in response to the breaking of the or each light beam; d) the signal that the pedestrian has broken the or each light beam is 10 received by a control means and henceforth warning lights may be switched on or the control means may wait until one or more second light beams are broken; e) a pedestrian breaking the path or paths of light beams between two sensing means located proximally to the roadway, initiating a 15 signal that the pedestrian has entered the roadway part of the pedestrian crossing; f) the control means interpreting the breaking of the second light beam and the direction of travel of the pedestrian to initiate the warning lights to be lit in a set pattern; 20 g) a pedestrian exiting the roadway part of the pedestrian crossing and breaking the path or paths of light beams between two sensing means located proximally to the roadway, initiating a signal that the pedestrian has moved from the roadway to the footpath; 25 h) the control means interpreting the breaking of the light beam and the direction of travel of the pedestrian; i) if control means detects that the or each light beam proximal to the roadway is broken in a direction moving away from the roadway then the control means may initiate a deactivation 30 routine to turn the warning lights off or the control means may wait until another at least one light beam is broken before initiating the deactivation routine.

15 Brief Description of the Drawings Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention described in association with 5 a "zebra" type pedestrian crossing. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a road crossing providing with a warning system according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the warning system used in Fig. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a road crossing provided with a 10 warning system according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a road crossing providing with a warning system according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a top view of a road crossing with a warning system according to the second and third embodiment combined; 15 FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of a single bollard of the warning system shown in FIG. 1 or 3; FIG. 7 is front perspective view a pair of bollards connected by a rigid cross member of the warning system shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a lighting device of the warning 20 system shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4; FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a first part of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the first part of the lighting device shown in FIG. 9; 25 FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a second part of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8; FIG 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 13 is a top view of the first part shown in FIG. 9 showing light 30 traces; FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the first part shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the warning system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 16 is a schematic of the LED circuit of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8; and 16 FIG. 17 is a schematic of four LED circuits of the lighting device shown in FIG. 8. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 5 The present invention may be used in association with other forms of pedestrian road crossing than those herein described and accordingly, it is understood that the following description is not limiting on the scope or application of the invention. 10 Referring to the drawings and firstly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a pedestrian crossing 15 of known form extending across a roadway 11 from one side to the other at a desired position where pedestrian or similar traffic is to be directed for safe crossing of the road. The crossing 15 which is known typically 15 as a zebra crossing includes a plurality of spaced elongated strips or bars 12 usually comprising white weatherproof paint which are painted onto the roadway 11 and located parallel to the roadway 11 and thus the traffic with the crossing 15 extending from one side 13 of the roadway 11 to the other side 14 thereof. The strips or bars 12 alternate with unpainted strips of the road 20 providing alternative light and dark colours. Alternatively, the strips and bars 12 may be of yellow or orange colour. A warning system 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of lighting devices 16 which are typically set within the 25 roadway or mounted in respective housings secured to the roadway 11, the lighting devices 16 being arranged at or adjacent opposite sides or boundaries of the crossing 15 and being spaced apart at substantially the same distance from each other across the roadway. In Fig. 1, the lighting devices are marked (a) to (g) from the side 13 of the roadway 11 to the side 14. Typically the 30 lighting devices 16 are aligned with the respective strips or bars 12 and arranged at opposite ends thereof as illustrated, however the lighting devices 16 need not be aligned with the strips or bars 12 but may be arranged between respective strips or bars 12. The lighting devices 16 are also suitably directed towards motorists approaching the crossing 15 from opposite sides and may if 17 desired be associated with directional reflectors so as to be clearly apparent to motorists approaching the crossing 15. The warning system 10 additionally includes movement sensors 17 at 5 opposite ends of the crossing 15 for sensing pedestrians or other persons approaching the crossing 15 from one side 13 or the other side 14 of the road 11. The movement sensors 17 at opposite ends of the crossing comprise at least two movement sensors 17 spaced apart in the direction of the crossing 15 and which typically and as shown in Fig. 1 are mounted on upstanding spaced 10 apart posts or bollards 18 positioned to one side of the crossing 15, at either end of the crossing, so that not only can the presence of persons approaching the crossing be sensed but also their direction of movement relative to the crossing 15. Thus if one movement sensor 17 is triggered followed by the triggering of the other movement sensor 17, the direction of movement of the 15 person who triggers the sensors 17 can be determined. This enables the system to discriminate between persons moving towards the crossing 15 and persons moving away from the crossing 15. There are three different functional types of movement sensors 17: 20 opposed (through beam), retro-reflective, and proximity-sensing (diffused). An opposed (through beam) arrangement consists of a receiver located within the line-of-sight of the transmitter. In this mode, an object is detected when the light beam is blocked from getting to the receiver from the transmitter. Likewise a retro-reflective arrangement places the transmitter and receiver at the same 25 location and uses a reflector to bounce the light beam back from the transmitter to the receiver. An object is sensed when the beam is interrupted and fails to reach the receiver. Finally, a proximity-sensing (diffused) arrangement is one in which the transmitted radiation must reflect off the object in order to reach the receiver. In this mode, an object is detected when the receiver sees the 30 transmitted source rather than when it fails to see it. In order to provide a system that will work both during the day (sunlight) or at night the sensor 17 may consist of two different operational types, light operate and dark operate. Light operate photo eyes become operational when the 18 receiver "receives" the transmitter signal. Dark operate photo eyes become operational when the receiver "does not receive" the transmitter signal. The detecting range of a photoelectric sensor is its "field of view", or the maximum distance the sensor 17 can retrieve information from, minus the minimum 5 distance. A minimum detectable object is the smallest object the sensor can detect. As can be imagined the minimum distance in the present invention is set to the size of the pedestrian 22. The movement sensor 17 may consist of self-contained photoelectric 10 sensors which contain the optics, along with the electronics. The power is supplied from power source 26. The movement sensor 17 performs its own modulation, demodulation, amplification, and output switching. The present invention and the movement sensor 17 may also include such further options as provided by a fully self-contained sensor such as built-in control timers or 15 counters. Alternatively a remote photoelectric sensor 17 may be utilised in which the sensor 17 contains only the optical components of a sensor 17. The circuitry for power input, amplification, and output switching are performed by the main 20 control unit 21. The warning system 10 further may include a manually operable switch or push button 19 which may be operated manually by a person wishing to cross the crossing 15 or a crossing guard so as to cause the warning system 10 25 to activate the lighting devices 16. The switch or push button 19 is positioned to enable actuation by pedestrians and also persons riding for example mobility assistance vehicles. So that persons wishing to cross the crossing 15 are aware that the 30 warning system 10 has activated the lighting devices 16, one or more of the posts or bollards 18 may be provided with an indicating light or lights 20 typically provided on the side/s of the bollards or posts 18 which when the warning system 10 is activated is/are illuminated. Alternatively, the indicating light or lights 20 may comprise a series of light emitting diodes along the side of 19 a post 18. These indicating lights are particularly useful for deaf pedestrians who require a visual representation that the warning system 10 has been activated and it is therefore safe to cross the crossing 15. 5 Safety lights 25 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be included at the top of each bollard 18. In low light each safety light 25 is activated by an ambient light photo sensor (not shown). The safety light 25 is maintained at half brightness during the time when the warning system 10 is not activated. This provides approaching motorists a visual indication that they are approaching a 10 pedestrian crossing 15. If the warning system 10 is activated the safety light 25 is set to run at full power. The safety light 25 has three modes of operation: off (during the day), on at half power (when warning system 10 is not activated in low light); or on at full power (when warning system 10 is activated, day/night or just in low light) 15 The warning system 10 may include a sound device (not shown) which is activated when the warning system 10 is activated. The sound device, when activated, produces an audible warning to pedestrians 22 that the warning system 10 has been activated and when it is about to be deactivated. The 20 sound device may provide an intermittent human voice warning. For example, the sound device may comprise a speaker (not shown) located within a bollard 18 which, when activated, provides an audible waring to pedestrians and in particular to blind pedestrians. 25 A main control unit 21 (see Fig. 2) is provided to control operation of the lighting devices 16 in accordance with a triggering signal provided by the sensors 17. The main control unit 21 includes a computer to enable it to carry out its control functions. The main control unit 21 is adapted to apply a signal to each lighting device 16 in turn to cause sequential operation thereof as 30 described below. Thus should a person 22 approach the crossing 15 in the direction A with the intention of crossing the road 11 at the crossing 15, the first or outermost movement sensor 17 will firstly detect the presence of the person and the second or innermost movement sensor 17 being the sensor closer to the crossing 15 will subsequently detect the presence of the person 22. The 20 main control unit 21 by detecting the sequential signals of the movement sensors 17 will then apply to the lighting devices 16 sequentially, activation signals to cause the light sources 16 to be illuminated sequentially. 5 Thus when the person 22 approaches the crossing 15 and is detected by the movement sensors 17 or the person 22 manually triggers the system 10 by operating the switch or push button 19, the lighting devices 16 marked a,b,c,d,e, f and g in turn will be supplied with power by the main control unit 21 to be thereby illuminated to indicate to oncoming drivers that a person 22 is 10 approaching the crossing 15 from adjacent the sensor 16a. The lighting devices 16 are sequentially operated on both sides of the crossing 15 so that drivers approaching the crossing 15 from either side will be aware of persons 22 on or approaching the crossing 15 and their direction of movement on or onto the crossing 15. The lighting devices 16 may be controlled by the main control unit 15 21 to turn on and off during their sequential operation or alternatively the first lighting device 16a and each subsequent lighting device 16b when illuminated may remain lit until all the lighting devices 16 are illuminated and the pattern of illumination may then be repeated. 20 The lighting devices 16 may be operated under the control of the main control unit 21 for a set period of time sufficient for a pedestrian or other person to cross from one side of the roadway 11 to the other or alternatively the movement sensors 17 on the opposite side of the roadway 11 can detect when a person is moving away from the crossing 15 which will provide a signal to the 25 main control unit 21 for ceasing supply to and thus operation of the lighting devices 16. Should persons approach the crossing 15 at a similar time from both sides 13 and 14, the main control unit 21 can cause sequential operation of the 30 lighting devices 16 either one after the other or in a combined illumination. A communications module 23 may be associated with the main control unit 21 to allow for remote monitoring or remote control of the warning system 10 from a remote control/monitoring unit 24 via radio or cellular communication.

21 The warning system 10 can be turned off or on from the unit 24 and furthermore the unit 24 can be monitored for general faults. The remote control/monitoring unit 24 is capable of automatic analysis of 5 the warning system 10 and is able to self-report any faults to a central location. If automatic analysis detects a fault in the warning system 10 the control unit 21 can activate a fault signal where for example all of the lights including the lighting devices 16 and indicating lights 20 flash at the same time. The lights will continue to flash until the fault signal is overridden from a remote location or at 10 the control unit 21. The warning system 10 may include a means to provide a data signal that is detectable by a portable electronic device, wirelessly, to indicate that the pedestrian crossing 15 is in close proximity. A wireless transmitter is included in 15 one or more bollards 18 for transmitting the data signal. There may also be provided phone software, adapted to be installed on a mobile electronic device, for receiving and processing the phone signal. The mobile electronic device should be capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data communications. The phone software may be adapted to broadcast a tangible and/or audible 20 signal to a phone user to alert the phone user that they are close to the pedestrian crossing 15. A second embodiment of the warning system 10 is shown in FIG. 3. The second embodiment is essentially the same as the first embodiment described 25 above except for the bollard 18 configuration. In this embodiment the bollards 18a, 18b and 18c (generally referred to as 18) are arranged in a triangular formation. The sensing means are sensors 17 and are located at a top part of each of the bollards 18. This configuration is also depicted in FIG. 5. The sensors 17 each comprise two transmitters 62 and two receivers 60 as shown 30 in the schematic of FIG. 15. The transmitters 62 of each sensor 17 can emit light of a selected frequency, for example in the infra-red part of the spectrum. Each receiver 60 of each sensor 17 is adapted to detect the selected frequency of light transmitted by the complimentary transmitter 62 of each of the other bollards 18. For example one of the transmitters 62 of bollard 18a directs a 22 beam of light to one of the receivers 60 of bollard 18b. Correspondingly, one of the transmitters 62 of bollard 18b directs a beam of light to one of the receivers 60 of bollard 18a. Therefore there are two beams of light running in opposite directions between bollards 18a and 18b. The two beams of light are spaced 5 apart in the horizontal plane and therefore direction of movement of a pedestrian 22, who breaks the light beams, can be determined. The other transmitter 62 of bollard 18a directs a beam of light to one of the receivers 60 of bollard 18c and as described above for bollard 18b a light beam is directed from bollard 18c to 18a. Beams of light are transmitted and received in a similar 10 fashion for each of the three bollards 18a, 18b, and 18c. This configuration of bollards 18 and sensors 17 sets up a triangular perimeter of parallel light beams. When two light beams between two bollards, say 18a and 18b are broken by a pedestrian 22, a main control unit 21 determines which light beam was broken first and utilises this information to determine the direction that the 15 pedestrian 22 was travelling and consequently activates the lighting devices 16 appropriately. So, when a pedestrian 22 enters the crossing 15 and breaks the light beams between bollards 18a and 18b (or 18a and 18c) the pedestrian has entered the triangular perimeter represented by 'Zone 1' in FIG. 5. The lighting devices 16 will be activated indicating that a pedestrian is about to cross the 20 roadway 11. If the pedestrian continues through light beams between bollards 18b and 18c, thus entering 'Zone 2' as shown in FIG. 5 then the main control unit 21 will determine that a pedestrian is entering the crossing 15 and use this information to continue to activate light devices 16 as required. If a pedestrian 22 exits the crossing and breaks light beams between bollards 18b and 18c first 25 (moving from 'Zone 2' to 'Zone 1'), followed by breaking the light beams between 18a and 18b (or 18a and 18c) (leaving 'Zone 1') then the main control unit 21 will interpret this as the pedestrian leaving the crossing 15 and will initiate a deactivation process for the lighting devices 16. It is envisaged that the lighting devices 16 will remain activated for a delayed period after a pedestrian 30 22 has exited the crossing 15 for increased safety. If a pedestrian 22 enters 'Zone' 1 and then leaves 'Zone 1' without entering 'Zone 2' then the main control unit 21 will determine that the pedestrian 23 22 is not crossing the roadway and will commence the deactivation process for the lighting devices 16. A third embodiment of the warning system 10 is shown in FIG. 4. In this 5 embodiment the warning system is similar to that described for the first embodiment above except for the bollard 18 configuration. The bollard 18 configuration shown in FIG. 4 may be suited to a school crossing. However it could be used for any other type of crossing also. Bollards 18w, 18x, 18y and 18z (collectively referred to as 18) are configured in a rectangular pattern. 10 Bollards 18y and 18z are connected by a rigid cross member 32 as are bollards 18w and 18x. FIG. 7 shows these types of bollards in closer detail. The rigid cross members 32 provide a physical barrier which would increase the safety of the crossing 15 for school children, providing a guide for them to enter the crossing 15. The light beams in this bollard 18 configuration run parallel to the 15 roadway 11. Each sensor 17 of these bollards 18 comprises one transmitter 62 and one receiver 60. Looking at bollards 18w and 18y a light beam is directed from the transmitter 62 of bollard 18w to the receiver 60 of bollard 18y and vice versa. This same sensor 17 configuration applies to bollards 18x and 18z. As described above for the second embodiment, the direction that a pedestrian 22 20 is moving can be determined by the order that the light beams are broken. The light devices 16 are activated if the main control unit 21 detects that the light beams are broken in a sequence that indicates that a pedestrian 22 is entering the crossing 15 (entering 'Zone 3' and moving from 'Zone 3' to 'Zone 2'). A deactivation process will be initiated when the main control unit 21 detects that 25 the light beams are broken in a sequence that indicates that a pedestrian 22 is leaving the crossing 15 (moving from 'Zone 2' to 'Zone 3', then leaving 'Zone 3'). As shown in FIG. 4 the rectangular bollard 18 setup is on both sides of the roadway 11. 30 If a pedestrian 22 enters 'Zone 3' through light beam or beams between bollard 18y and bollard 18w and then leaves 'Zone 3' through the same light beam or beams without entering 'Zone 2' then the main control unit 21 will determine that the pedestrian 22 is not crossing the roadway and will commence the deactivation process for the lighting devices 16.

24 FIG. 5 shows a composite crossing one side having the rectangular configuration of bollards 18 as in the third embodiment and the other side having the triangular configuration of bollards 18 as described for the second embodiment above. FIG. 5 also shows the different zones of operation as 5 described above. It should be noted that the rigid cross members 32 are not shown in the rectangular configuration in this drawing. This top view of the crossing 15 shows more clearly the second and third embodiment bollard 18 configurations. 10 A fourth embodiment of the invention describes a warning system which is similar to that described for the first embodiment above except the movement sensors 17 comprise a proximity detector and a camera. The camera may be mounted onto a pole. The proximity detector can detect when a pedestrian 22 is in close proximity. The proximity detector can then send a signal to the camera 15 to turn on and record the pedestrian 22. A microprocessor can also be included. The microprocessor can be programmed to determine the direction of movement of the pedestrian 22 to determine whether the pedestrian 22 is entering the crossing 15. If the microprocessor detects that the pedestrian 22 is crossing a signal can be sent to the control unit 21 to acvtivate the warning 20 system 10. The camera will record the pedestrian activity at the crossing 15. The recorded video footage may be used for later reference if required, for example if an accident occurred at the crossing 15 the video footage could be used to determine how the accident how occurred. It also adds to the safety of the crossing 15 as the camera can act as a deterrent for antisocial or criminal 25 behaviour by pedestrians 22 or motorists on the roadway 11. It is envisaged that this setup is ideally suited high volume areas such as city locations. Control software would be used to control the interface between the proximity detector and the camera. The control software would receive input 30 from the proximity detector and determine whether the camera should start to record. It should be appreciated that the camera can be included in any of the embodiments described above to provide the advantages described for the 25 fourth embodiment. In the case of the first, second and third embodiments the camera could be activated when the sensors 17 are activated. The video footage from the camera can be stored on a recording 5 medium such as a solid state memory device. If the solid state memory device is removable it can be replaced on a regular basis with an empty solid state memory device. The removed solid state memory device containing the recordings made for the preceding time period can then be archived physically, or the recorded information can be uploaded to an alternate data storage 10 device such as an archive tape or hard drive, or a cloud storage server for safe data storage. The removed solid state memory device can then be reused for the next recording time period. Alternatively the video footage can be uploaded to an archivable medium on a regular basis, remotely through wireless or land based communication means, and stored and archived as required. 15 Power may be supplied to the warning system 10 by a renewable power source 26. The renewable power source can be a wind generator 30, solar cell array 28 or a combination of both as shown in FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 15 the power source comprises a 'green power source' such as the wind generator 20 30 and or the solar cell array 28. This renewable source of power provides power to a charger 66. The charger 66 is connected to a rechargeable battery 68 which in turn supplies power to local power supplies 70 which in turn powers the components of the warning system 10. A backup 'Alternate Mains Power Source' 72 is included in the preferred embodiment to ensure a constant power 25 supply, even when there are extended periods of no sun or wind. Likewise in city locations mains power may be used primarily, however a backup renewable power source 26 is available if mains power fails. The lighting devices 16 are securely embedded within the roadway 11. 30 FIGS. 8 to 14 show views of the lighting device 16 to be used in a preferred embodiment of the invention. They comprise a first part 36 which is removably attached to a second part 38 which is securely embedded into the roadway 11 such that a top part of the second part 38 lies flush with the road when installed. When the first part 36 and second part 38 are attached to each other they 26 provide a water tight seal by utilizing a seal means 54. The seal means 54 may be an o-ring fitted within a recess in the second part 38 to form a water tight seal between the first and second parts 36, 38. To secure the second part 38 to the roadway 11 a suitable compound/glue is applied to the hole in the road surface 5 to retain the second part 38 in place in the roadway 11. The first part 36 has been designed to be easily interchangeable for servicing. The control and power wiring are connected to the first part 36 and the circuit board 50 by a quick release type connector which can be quickly disconnected to facilitate removal and installation of the first part 36 to the second part 38. 10 The first part 36 comprises three lights sources 45 on a first side and one light source 43 on a second side, wherein the first side is opposite the second side. It should be appreciated that the number of light sources 45 and 43 can vary depending on what is seen to be required. It is envisaged that the single 15 light source 43 on the second side can be used to illuminate the roadway part of the crossing 15 so that pedestrians 22 can cross more safely in low light, and so that oncoming traffic can see the pedestrian crossing from a distance. In low light the light source 43 is activated by an ambient light photo sensor (not shown) as for the safety lights 25 described above. The light source 43 is maintained at half 20 brightness during the time when the warning system 10 is not activated. This provides oncoming motorists a visual indication that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing 15. If the warning system 10 is activated the light source 43 is set to run at full power. The light source 43 is not linked to the circuit for light source 45 and has three modes of operation: off (during the day), on at half 25 power (when warning system 10 is not activated in low light); or on at full power (when warning system 10 is activated, day/night or just in low light). The brighter light source 45 on the first side is illuminated when the lighting devices are activated in response to a pedestrian triggering the warning system 10. The light source 45 will be brighter than the light source 43 because it comprises more 30 light sources and therefore provides a more visible indicator as required to warn oncoming traffic that the warning system has been triggered. A top side of the first part 36 is essentially dome shaped with two voids 42 and 44 adapted to provide an opening to project light from the light sources 45 and 43 respectively, to road users. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a top side of the first part 36 with light 27 traces showing how light from the light sources 45 and 43 travels within the voids 42 and 44 respectively. Light source 45 is brighter than light source 43 as it comprises three light sources, therefore it is more suited to be directed away from the pedestrian crossing 15 and towards the oncoming motorists. The light 5 sources 45, 43 and associated componentry are conveniently mounted on a circuit board 50 which is fitted into mounting slots in the bottom of the first part 36. The first part 36 engages with the second part 38 and is held in place by 10 fastening means (not shown). The fastening means can be screws which can fasten the first part 36 to the second part 38 through first screw holes 48 of the first part 36 and second screw holes 52 of the second part 38. The second part 38 includes a flange 46 which provides an anchoring means for the second part 38 when it is embedded within the roadway 11. The second part also includes a 15 semi-tubular structure 51 on an underside for guiding and allowing the passage of cabling for providing power and control information to the lighting device 16. A side wall 40 of the second part 38 should be of a sufficient height to allow for secure attachment of the second part 38 when it is embedded in the roadway 11. The light sources 45 and 43 can be high visibility light emitting diodes (LEDs). 20 The visual warning distance/detection of LED illumination potentially extends significantly distant from the lighting devices 16 giving the on-coming motorist a greater warning time. An (LED) 45, 43 is a semiconductor light source which provides light in the 25 visible wavelengths, with very high brightness. One of the key advantages of using LED-based lighting sources in the present invention is their high luminous efficacy with lower power consumption. Also LEDs are typically long lasting given that the solid-state devices are subject to very limited wear and tear and if operated at low currents and at low temperatures will significantly outlast 30 incandescent lamps. Because of their long life, fast switching times, and their ability to be seen in broad daylight due to their high output and focus, LEDs are used in the present invention.

28 The warning system 10 can operate in three different modes: test, normal and sleep. Normal mode is maintained during normal operation of the warning system 10. A sleep mode can be included which would save power. The sleep mode would be engaged at a time when there has been no activity 5 detected by the movement sensors 17 for a predetermined time. In this mode power would only be supplied to the movement sensors 17 and the switch or button 19. If a pedestrian was detected during sleep mode a signal would be sent to the main control unit 21 which would then initiate a power up sequence to power up all of the other components of the warning system 10. Test mode is 10 a mode that can be used to test the operation of the warning system 10. This mode would require secure access and would be used by maintenance engineers to ensure proper operation of the warning system 10. In use the warning system 10 operates as follows. A pedestrian 22 firstly moves 15 towards the pedestrian crossing 15. The pedestrian 22 may manually initiate warning lights activation by pressing a switch or push button 19; or the pedestrian 22 breaks a path or paths of light beams between two bollards 18 (1 8a and 18b, or 18a and 18c and enters 'Zone 1' for the second embodiment; or 18w and 18y and enters 'Zone 3' for the third embodiment); or the pedestrian 20 activates a proximity sensor which triggers the activation of a camera (fourth embodiment), initiating a signal that the pedestrian 22 is moving towards the roadway 11 part of the pedestrian crossing 15. Indicating lights 20 on the bollards 18 then switch on in response to the breaking of the or each light beam. The signal that the pedestrian 22 has broken the or each light beam is 25 received by the main control unit 21 and henceforth warning lights may be switched on or the control means may wait until one or more second beams of light are broken. A pedestrian 22 breaking the path or paths of light beams between two bollards 16 located proximally to the roadway 11, initiates a signal that the pedestrian 22 has entered the roadway 11 part of the pedestrian 30 crossing 15. The main control unit 21 interprets the breaking of the second light beam and the direction of travel of the pedestrian 22 to initiate the lighting devices 16 to be lit in a set pattern. A pedestrian 22 exiting the roadway 11 part of the pedestrian crossing 15 and breaking the path or paths of light beams between two bollards located proximally to the roadway 11, initiates a signal 29 that the pedestrian 22 has moved from the roadway 11 to the footpath located beside the road 11. The main control unit interprets the breaking of the light beam and the direction of travel of the pedestrian 22. If the main control unit 21 detects that the or each light beam proximal to the roadway 11 is broken in a 5 direction moving away from the roadway 11 then the main control unit 21 may initiate a deactivation routine to turn the lighting devices 16 off or the main control unit 21 may wait until another at least one light beam is broken before initiating the deactivation routine. 10 Advantages The high visibility associated with the lighting devices of the current invention provides a warning system which can greatly reduce the incidents of accidents at pedestrian crossings. Those at risk most are the elderly, children 15 and people with incapacities. The automatic detecting by way of the included sensors means that the pedestrian is not required to manually activate the warning system although it is an option, further enhancing the safety aspect of the current invention. 20 The warning system would be easily retrofitted to existing pedestrian crossings. The warning system greatly enhances the safety of non-traffic light pedestrian crossings and has the added advantage over traffic light pedestrian 25 crossings in that it presents less disruption of vehicle roadway traffic. The warning system is scalable and cheaper to install than other pedestrian crossings which include warning lights. The scalability ensures that only required features need to be installed at any particular pedestrian crossing. 30 The nature of the lighting setup, including the lighting device lighting patterns, provides a highly visible and more noticeable warning than lights that remain on constantly. It has been proven that lights that are flashing or flashing in a sequence are more noticeable than lights that remain on.

30 Due to the low cost, scalability and ease of installation of the warning system it can be installed more widely. Upgrades to traditional pedestrian crossing without traffic lights could be upgraded without the added expense of all of the infrastructure required to install traffic lights. 5 The warning system in some embodiments described above provides a much safer crossing for the blind and deaf at potentially more pedestrian crossing locations than are currently available. 10 The warning system provides the pedestrian a visual indication, through the activation of the lighting devices and indicating lights, that motorists have been made aware that the pedestrian is entering the crossing. Green energy is an alternative energy source for the present invention 15 with the use of wind and solar energy. This can make the present invention a stand-a-lone, self-powered system, independent of any outside infrastructure and capable of being installed anywhere. Variations 20 The terms "comprising" or "comprises" as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group 25 thereof. The term pedestrian crossing is taken to include any crossing designed to allow pedestrians to cross roadways safely. Although not specifically described this can include roadway crossings which include traffic lights. 30 The term roadway and likewise roadways has been described as a single two lane roadway however the skilled addressee should easily understand that the present invention is equally applicable to multiple or many lane roadways.

31 Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such variations and modifications thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

1. A warning system for use with a pedestrian crossing which extends across a roadway which has opposite entry/exit ends, the warning system 5 comprising: a plurality of spaced apart visual warning devices arranged transversely of said roadway and located along or adjacent at least one side boundary of said crossing between said opposite ends, and means for triggering or activating said warning devices comprising at 10 least two sensing means to provide information regarding the presence and direction of movement of a pedestrian to cause operation thereof sequentially in a direction from one end to the other said end of said crossing wherein the warning system thereby indicates to motorists on said roadway and approaching said crossing the direction of movement of said person or a device 15 ridden on or pushed by a said person towards a said end of said crossing for the purposes of crossing said crossing or on said crossing.

2. A warning system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprise at least one pair of sensors positioned at or adjacent at least one end 20 of the crossing, spaced apart in the direction of movement in which a person or device intending to cross the crossing moves towards a said end of the crossing.

3. A warning system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the visual warning 25 devices are lighting devices which can be switched on and off in a desired pattern.

4 A warning system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the sensors comprise indicating lights for indicating that the warning system has been 30 activated.

5. The warning system as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein the warning system is powered by a renewable power source.