https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotating_cone_tactile_device

I might just pop to my local crossing to see if it has one to try it out.

It says in the article that it’s for blind people to know when to cross, but wouldn’t the beeping indicate that? For deaf/blind people, makes perfect sense and great that we have such inclusion.

by VeneMage

10 comments

  1. There was a rumour when we were kids that if you turned it it made the light turn green quicker

  2. There was one on the street I grew up. Absolutely baffled me what it’s purpose was.

  3. >it’s for blind people to know when to cross, but wouldn’t the beeping indicate that?

    A lot don’t beep though. Don’t know why

  4. And the yellow rubber tiles you see on pavements and edges of platforms are for blind people too

  5. It’s quite impressive how much goes into pedestrian crossings.

  6. No idea why they don’t have sweeping tones on a pedestrian crossing – then anyone who has hearing at any pitch might pick up a repetitive tone? Deliberately choosing a relatively high pitch, when that’s a known issue wrt elderly hearing loss is quite odd.

  7. A good tip for active toddlers who have a tendency to run off before the lights turn red.

    Told my kids when they were little to hold it till it started to spin and they stood rooted on the spot… magic – they used to think it was their secret!

  9. My daughter (5) is obsessed with them after seeing them on dog squad.

  10. From one of the citations in the article:
    > Nottingham University took the idea to the Department of Transport

    That phrase just gave me a silly vision of the Portland Building marching down the M1 to Whitehall. I should probably go to bed.

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