Red-light scheme warns those whose eyes are glued to phones

A new device that projects a red light on the waiting area of crosswalks are being installed in four locations in a six-month pilot scheme to step up pedestrian safety, the Transport Department says.

When the pedestrian light's "red man" signal is lit, the device will correspondingly project a red light onto the waiting area of the pavement to remind people, especially those staring at their mobile phone, not to cross the road.

The red light will turn off when the "green man" signal is on.

The first device was installed at the intersection of Percival Street and Foo Ming Street in Causeway Bay, while the other three are bound for Tsuen Wan Market Street near Yan Chai Hospital, Sha Tin Center Street near Sha Tin Central Bus Terminus and the junction of Waterloo Road and Hereford Road.

"This device is set up to help - but not replace - the functions of existing traffic lights," the department said.

It is not unusual for Hongkongers to be seen crossing the street with their eyes locked on their phones. The New York Times has given pedestrians in China who glue their eyes to their phones a nickname: the heads-down tribe.

The department also plans to trial countdown timers on pedestrian crossing lights starting next year, despite previous similar devices resulting in no improvement to pedestrian safety.

Then transport and housing chief Frank Chan Fan said authorities have been trying to develop related technologies to optimize the effect of the device.

tsdreporter6@singtaonewscorp.com