1.1 DIAGONAL CROSSINGS BY PEDESTRIANS
1. POLICY
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Scope
1.3 Background
1.4 Definitions
1.5 Policy Statement
2. POLICY GUIDELINES
2.1 Criteria
2.2 Sign Requirements
2.3 Phase Timings
2.4 Road Markings
2.5 Kerb/Pram Ramps
2.6 Application of Policy & Guidelines
2.7 References
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1. POLICY
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to detail Main Roads' policy for permitting Diagonal Crossing by Pedestrians at Traffic Light Intersections.
1.2 Scope
This policy is to be applied in conjunction with the policy guidelines to provide a consistent approach for permitting diagonal crossing movements by pedestrians at traffic light controlled intersections on all roads in Western Australia.
1.3 Background
Determination of the need for WALK phases and their duration is contained in Austroads Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice, Part 7: Traffic Signals. In general terms exclusive WALK phases are provided to enhance pedestrian safety at traffic light intersections where pedestrian crossing demands are very high. At many of these locations, some pedestrians choose to walk diagonally across intersections to save travel distance and the likelihood of not being able to complete a two-stage crossing manoeuvre in the time available. In previous years, traffic regulations have required that pedestrians cross roads by the shortest distance possible. In the context of WALK phases at traffic lights, this means crossing each road separately at an intersection. Depending on walking speed, the duration of the WALK phase and the width of road to be crossed, some of the more agile pedestrians are able to cross two adjacent roads at an intersection in the WALK time available.
In the absence of visible enforcement, many pedestrians that are more agile have been adopting a diagonal or near diagonal crossing manoeuvre to complete their crossing rather than crossing each road separately.
The duration of WALK time is made up of two parts, a ‘commence’ phase (green signal) and a ‘complete’ phase (flashing red signal). The timing is currently determined by the width of road to be crossed and a walking speed of about 1.2 metres per second, depending on the agility of pedestrians being catered for. At most intersections with four traffic lanes plus a nominal two metre median, the kerb-to-kerb width can be crossed in approximately 12 seconds. The total time normally provided is about 20 seconds, which accommodates less agile pedestrians and those who commence crossing 3 to 4 seconds after the WALK time commences. For the same intersection a diagonal manoeuvre requires traversing about 23 metres and takes about 20 seconds at a walking speed of 1.2 metres per second. A person commencing to cross when the WALK phase commences would be able to complete a diagonal crossing in the time available at many intersections. Roads that are more than two lanes wide cannot be traversed diagonally in the usual time available. Traffic light coordination (SCATS) is a factor that needs to be considered if phases are altered and phase times extended.
The Australian Road Rules recognise that diagonal crossing at intersections does occur and a rule permits the manoeuvre. A similar regulation in the Road Traffic Code 2000 in Western Australia permits diagonal crossing where appropriate signs are installed. Two sign options are provided for – one showing a symbolic pedestrian with arrows radiating in three directions and another that has the words PEDESTRIANS MAY CROSS DIAGONALLY.
This Policy and Guidelines address the circumstances where signs permitting diagonal crossing may be installed.
1.4 Definitions
Road Traffic Code: Road Traffic Act 1974 regulations dictating the behavioural requirements of road users.
Diagonal Crossing: To cross at an intersection as indicated on the following diagram:
Cross Intersection
SCATS: Sydney Co-ordinated Adaptive Traffic System. The traffic light coordination system whereby traffic flows in particular directions are given signal green time priority.
1.5 Policy Statement
Main Roads will install Pedestrians May Cross Diagonally signs where an exclusive Walk phase is provided at an intersection and where road widths and traffic circumstances enable pedestrians to complete a diagonal crossing manoeuvre in safety without causing unacceptable increases in delays to vehicular traffic.
2. POLICY GUIDELINES
2.1 Criteria
The criteria that must be met for Pedestrians May Cross Diagonally signs to be installed at a traffic light intersection, are as follows:
They may be provided at a traffic light intersection where a separate WALK phase is warranted and installed in accordance with Austroads Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice: Part 7; Traffic Signals and -
· A diagonal crossing manoeuvre can be completed in the available WALK time. (Available walk time is based on the distance to be traversed by applying Austroads guidelines. While every consideration should be given to catering for pedestrians by allowing diagonal crossing, the duration of the WALK phase should not cause unacceptable delays to vehicular traffic);
· The WALK phase operates on all legs of the intersection at one time. Note that some intersections of one way roads may continue to allow a WALK phase to operate on that carriageway after the WALK phase on other legs has stopped. Therefore, diagonal crossing is not to be allowed where all legs of an intersection are subject to different WALK periods;
2.2 Sign Requirements
Traffic regulation allow for two Pedestrians may cross diagonally sign options as follows
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
These signs, (including stick-on decals) shall conform with Main Roads standards and placement shall be on all corners of an intersection as specified on the standard.
2.3 Phase Timings
The duration of the WALK phase, (green plus flashing red) shall be sufficient for a pedestrian to undertake the longest diagonal crossing movement within the available pedestrian walk and clearance periods. Generally, a green signal of six seconds duration is to be displayed, with the duration of the flashing red display being the calculated total crossing time based upon a walk speed of 1.2 m/s, less the duration of the green display.
Phase timings may need to be adjusted to take account of special circumstances such as a high composition of elderly pedestrians, children, etc.
2.4 Road Markings
Where diagonal crossing by pedestrians is permitted by the installation of signs, pedestrian crossing ‘tramlines’ shall be altered according to Main Roads standards. This standard only requires dashed pedestrian lines on the approach closest to the stop lines.
2.5 Kerb/Pram Ramps
Where required, kerb or pram ramps to accommodate diagonal crossings shall be installed in a consistent manner throughout the intersection to avoid a situation where a pedestrian may use a ramp to enter the intersection but is unable to safely leave the intersection due to the absence of a complementary ramp on the other side.
2.6 Application of Policy & Guidelines
The policy and guidelines shall be applied uniformly throughout Western Australia.
2.7 References
· Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice: Part 7; Traffic Signals: Austroads 1993.
· Road Traffic Code 2000.
· Main Roads Road Marking Standards.
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MAIN ROADS Western Australia
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