Pedestrian signal system to come up at five locations in Kochi

Kochi: As city roads, with high vehicle density, continue to be risky for pedestrians, Lions District 318 C under Lions International will install a pedestrian signal system to allow people to cross road safely through zebra crossings.Poles, fitted with the system, will be installed near zebra crossings at five locations initially before the project is extended to other parts of the district.Hundred pedestrian signal systems will be installed in Ernakulam, Idukki and Alappuzha districts. "Around 60% of it will be in Ernakulam. We got necessary permission from respective govt departments for installation of the system near Changampuzha Park, Kinder Hospital, Renai Medicity, Cusat Junction and Apollo Tyres," said district cabinet secretary Saji Chameli.Pedestrians can press button on the system and a red light will appear on it, signalling moving vehicles to stop and allow people to cross road safely. How long the red light stays lit will depend on length of the zebra crossing.The private agency, which will install the system, will do maintenance work for five years. tnn