The Princes Highway between Colac and Geelong forms one of the busiest east – west arterial routes across the Australian state of Victoria and it virtually dissects the town of Winchelsea. Local residents including school children have to cross this road daily and the local authorities looked for a system to enhance their safety as they did so.
At the crossing on the busy Princes Highway, outside the Winchelsea Primary School Astucia hardwired flush road studs are installed at approximately half metre spacing and are interfaced with a control box that enables crossing supervisors to turn the system on and off when the crossing is being used. When activated, the studs flash intensely providing clear warning for motorists to stop. Additionally studs are installed in the carriageway centre line at the approach to the crossing. These studs strobe towards the oncoming traffic to provide further advanced warning of pedestrians using the crossing ahead.
“The school is on the Princes Highway and on foggy days especially it was not good for pedestrians,” explained Surf Coast Shire Councilor and Barwon Road Safety Board member Lindsay Schroeter: “Traffic is now up to 6,000 vehicles per day in each direction. The possibility of an accident was high. There’s no doubt that the Astucia crossing system is a good idea. It’s a great indicator that you are approaching a pedestrian crossing.”
Winchelsea Primary School Principal Judi Fallon said: “It has always been a dangerous piece of road. We have children crossing the road all the time and we were always very worried about it. The parents are very impressed by the Astucia system especially in rainy weather and in fog, which we get a fair bit of down here. It really makes cars and trucks drivers aware there is a crossing ahead. It stands out really well. A lot of other principals who have contacted me have been impressed by the installation and asked where did you get it from and how do you get it”.
Commenting on the installation Senior Constable Simon Paliaga from the Victoria Police said: "Before the Astucia lighting was installed there were real concerns for the safety of pedestrians at this crossing, especially the school children. Visibility and advanced warning for motorists about the approaching crossing has been greatly improved, especially at times of poor visibility such as fog or rain. It is now far safer; an excellent outcome for the pedestrians has been achieved."
Astucia Australasia Director, Peter Doupé added: “It was a daily nightmare for parents to have to take their children across a very busy highway. After many narrow escapes, they feared a major incident was only a matter of time if something wasn’t done.”
