Pedestrian safety to be improved in Jokela
The safety of road users crossing at pedestrian crossings is being improved in Jokela with the use of warning capsules, or Välky. The device warns drivers of vehicles approaching the pedestrian crossing by flashing a light. Investing in pedestrian crossing safety is particularly important in areas located near schools.
The Välkky observation capsules were installed on 29 January on the pedestrian crossing next to the Kouluraitti intersection on Pertuntie. Many pupils from the nearby Pertun school use this pedestrian crossing on their way to school.
The impact of the devices and road users’ behaviour will be monitored for a period of time, and based on the findings, a decision will be made on whether to install Välkyt devices at the intersection of Pertuntie and Rovastintie, for example.
The flashers detect light traffic users approaching the pedestrian crossing and warn drivers with white flashing lights directed at the carriageway. The devices operate in both light and dark conditions. The capsules also have blue and white reflective stickers, which make the pedestrian crossing more visible.
The equipment is purchased within the budget and installed in locations where it is expected to be most useful. Such locations include, for example, areas near schools.
– We have considered placing the devices on Rykmentinpuistokatu, near the Rykmentinpuisto school and daycare centre, among other locations. This installation will be carried out in the spring after the ground has thawed, as it requires some changes to traffic signs and their foundations, says traffic engineer Jukka-Matti Laakso.
Observation capsules have previously been used in Tuusula in Riihikallio and Koskenmäki. As the capsules can usually be quickly installed on suitable pedestrian crossings, their locations can be varied according to where they are expected to be most useful at any given time.
Further information: Traffic Engineer Jukka-Matti Laakso, jukka-matti.laakso@tuusula.fi(opens in a new window)
This content has been translated using AI