The first trial of 3D crossings has just commenced in NSW, in Manly to be precise, where three 3D crossings have been installed for a trial period of six months in a 30km/h zone adjacent to the beach.
With one French study in 2021 questioning its value-for-money practicability amid limited effect on drivers in the evaluated settings, the question to be asked is: will 3D crossings become a new—and exuberantly expensive—norm, or is their implementation just another wasteful use of taxpayers’ money?
Higher installation and maintenance costs
The tri-dimensional pedestrian crossing was presented as an innovative solution to improve road safety. An optical illusion of an elevated street crossing (an “anamorphic projection”) should slow down the speed of driving while making drivers supposedly more aware of the pedestrians.
However, last year’s French study has found that 3D street crossings may have, at best, a very limited effect on the reduction of vehicle speeds than conventional pedestrian crossings, whilst costing up to ten times more to install and maintain. The study also found limited to no evaluation of the 3D crossings’ effectiveness at night. Furthermore, any effect on 4WD and tall cars in general is said to be even more reduced when compared to sedans. Lastly, the study found almost no effect on the surveyed drivers’ speed and awareness of pedestrians six months after the introduction of the 3D crossings.
Where are 3D crossings used?
3D crossings have been experimentally trialled in several countries across Europe (Iceland), Asia-Pacific (India, Malaysia, New Zealand, China and Australia), and the United States of America since 2017.
The first Australian trial took off in Boulia in Central-West Queensland in 2018, after Rick Britton, Mayor of Boulia Shire Council, saw it on social media. The idea was that Australia’s first 3D crossing would gauge tourist interest and slow down the traffic. This trend was soon followed by trials in Cairns and Melbourne—with mixed local reactions.
The first NSW trial had just begun in Manly, with the Northern Beaches Council announcing that the initial evaluation phase will last for six months and over the busy summer season. Local opinions have been divided over the crossings’ installation.
It was reported in 2019 that the Canterbury Bankstown Council in Sydney’s south-west was considering implementing 3D crossings instead of raised crossings. At that time, Transport for NSW said it would not trial them “as they are considered a safety hazard”. Transport for NSW also reportedly rejected Liverpool City Council’s application for the first trial in NSW as the application was for a 50 km/h speed limit zone.
While it is not entirely clear what has changed since 2019 (with Transport for NSW partnering up with the Northern Beaches Council in 2022) it is certain that the newly installed 3D crossings in Manly will attract global attention and more local polemics in the months to come.