The function of audible traffic signals (ATS) is to provide indication to the visually impaired persons (VIPs) on the prevailing pedestrian signals states at the crossings. In late 2004, Transport Department (TD) completed the territorial-wide installation of the new electronic audible traffic signals (eATS). The new eATS is capable of responding automatically to the ambient noise level, i.e. its output will be higher under noisy environment and will reduce automatically if the environment is quiet. In addition, the eATS is equipped with a tactile unit which indicates the prevailing pedestrian signal states by means of different vibrating patterns. With these features, the eATS is capable of providing 24-hour services to the VIPs while minimizing the noise nuisance to the nearby residents.
The eATS consists of the following 3 different components :-
| (i) | Audible unit; and |
| (ii) | Tactile unit or |
| (iii) | Tactile unit with pushbutton function |
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Mounted under pedestrian signal lights |
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Emits audible signal to indicate the prevailing pedestrian signal states
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A yellow box mounted at elbow level of the pedestrian signal pole
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A vibrating unit located at the bottom of the unit
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Different vibrating pattern to indicate prevailing states of pedestrian signal
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Directional arrow to indicate the direction of the pedestrian crossing
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The tactile unit is solely for the use of VIPs
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In addition to the functions of tactile unit, it provides pedestrian pushbutton function
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When touched by hands on its surface, pedestrian crossing demand will be sent to the traffic signal controller nearby. At the same time, visual and audible acknowledgement signals will be displayed and emitted by the unit
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The traffic signal controller will render the green signal to the pedestrian as soon as possible knowing that someone is waiting to cross the road
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The pushbutton function is for the use of pedestrians, not solely for VIPs
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