Audio Tactile Systems
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This is an example of a person with a cane waiting at an audio tactile traffic light.
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This is an example of an Audio Tactile Signal Press Plate. The tactile signal is felt in the raised symbol above the button.
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What are Audio-tactile push button signals?
Audio-tactile push button signals (ATS) are located at pedestrian crossings and are used to indicate when traffic lights have changed to a walk phase. These signals are particularly useful for people with vision impairment and those who are deafblind.
The tactile signal is detected through the plate immediately above the push button. When the pedestrian walk signal is red or in the “Don’t Walk” phase, it emits slow beeps and the tactile plate pulses slowly. When the pedestrian walk signal is green or in the “Walk” phase, the control emits rapid beeps and the tactile plate rapidly pulses.
First hand perspective….
“As well as having the curbs aligned well, it would be good if the roads and traffic authorities could turn the audio signals on the lights up a bit. A lot of people that have a vision problem use these as a sort of homing signal. In this way you can hear where the other side of the road is and head toward it more easily.”
The tactile information confirms the status of the signals when the ambient noise levels are high. They can also provide useful information when the person using the signal does not have good hearing.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, on behalf of people with vision impairment, liaises with the Roads and Traffic Authority (New South Wales) and Urban Services (ACT) regarding the installation of ATS.