THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) generally allots a longer
time for the signal allowing pedestrians to cross the road at
crossings where there are more vulnerable pedestrians, such as the
elderly and physically challenged (''Green man' too quick for the
old and grey' by Mr M. Lukshumayeh; Forum Online, Feb12).
We have also implemented the Green Man Plus scheme since October
2009 at five pilot locations near health facilities and transport
nodes. This scheme allows the elderly up to five seconds more green
man time when activated.
Seniors can activate this function simply by tapping their
senior citizen concession pass on the card readers. We are
currently studying the expansion of this scheme to other
locations.
At very busy major road junctions, the timings of our traffic
lights must strike a balance between traffic efficiency and
consideration for pedestrians.
This means that the timings allocated have to be effective in
ensuring that vehicular traffic flow is not too severely impeded by
the extra time we give to pedestrians to cross safely.
We thank Mr Lukshumayeh for his letter.
Helen Lim (Ms)
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Land Transport Authority
