A 3D zebra crossing has been installed in St John’s Wood, Westminster, the first of its kind in the UK.
The crossing gives the illusion to drivers that passing vehicles are about to drive over a ramp. Westminster City Council adopted the innovative design after local residents and teachers at a nearby school raised concerns about road safety.
Similar types of crossings that encourage drivers to slow down as they approach have already been tested in India, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States. Trials of a similar scheme in New Delhi, India, showed that average speeds dropped by as much as 40 per cent, from 50kph to 30kph.
“Our 3D zebra crossing could be the future of road safety across the country and once again Westminster City Council is at the forefront in innovation in bringing this type of crossings to the UK,” said Cllr Tim Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Environment and City Management. “Far from being simply a brilliant innovation that makes the ordinary look eye-grabbing and modern – the 3D effect helps drivers to see the crossing easier.”
The scheme is located on St John’s Wood High Street, just a few minutes away from the Abbey Road pedestrian crossing, made famous by The Beatles. It will be trialled for the next nine to 12 months. If deemed successful it could be rolled out across the rest of the borough.
