Pedestrian crossings are still places where serious traffic accidents occur. In Poland, regulations for illuminating spaces of increased pedestrian traffic, including pedestrian crossings themselves, are changing quite intensively. In our article we will try to explain the current requirements.
Latest requirements and standards
Until recently, the rules on lighting pedestrian crossings were quite general and imprecise. This contributed to many accidents and serious collisions involving pedestrians. Inadequately or insufficiently illuminated crosswalks provided neither good visibility for drivers nor safety for those crossing them.
The latest guidelines for pedestrian crossings define the various hazard classes in great detail, as well as clarify issues related to pedestrian contrast and, consequently, appropriate illumination. Intelligent solutions, such as ClueCity lighting management systems and road luminaires, are increasingly common on Polish streets. The Tiara LED or Tiara LED Pro from Lena Lighting, a lamp selected in the most important design competition in Poland, is very popular. Cities that can boast their presence include Środa Wielkopolska, Szczytno and Olsztyn. The innovative LED lighting technology significantly increases the comfort and sense of safety of pedestrians and drivers.
How should pedestrian crossings be lit?
Illumination of pedestrian crossings is an extremely important issue. First and foremost, the lamps should ensure the visibility of the pedestrian at the crossing and in the waiting or approach zone to the crossing. A person who is in the lanes must be properly distinguished - it is primarily the pedestrian who is to be visible, only later the street infrastructure. In addition, the driver should have the comfort of observation and see clearly the silhouette of the pedestrian and the entire traffic situation.
Currently, the following guidelines govern the lighting of roads and pedestrian crossings:
- CEN/TR 13201-1:2016-02 Road lighting - Part 1: Guidelines for the selection of lighting classes.
- PN-EN 13201-2:2016-03 Road lighting - Part 2: Performance requirements
- PN-EN 13201-3:2016-03 Road lighting - Part 3: Calculation of lighting parameters
- PN-EN 13201-4:2016-03 Road lighting - Part 4: Methods for measuring lighting efficiency
- PN-EN 13201-5:2016-03 Road lighting - Part 5: Energy efficiency indices.
- PN-76/E-02032 - containing information on illumination intensity at pedestrian crossings without traffic lights.
What should be the lighting of pedestrian crossings?
When thinking about street lighting, we must take into account that the conditions under which the lamps operate are much more difficult. Therefore, road lighting at pedestrian crossings should be selected taking into account the strict guidelines of the regulations. What, above all, should it be characterized by?
One of the most important parameters to consider when choosing street luminaires is adequate light intensity that will not dazzle, but also give, both pedestrians and drivers, adequate visibility. Equally important is high luminous efficiency. The higher the efficiency factor, the greater the energy efficiency. The Tiara LED lamp uses directional lenticular arrays made of PMMA or PC, thanks to which it is possible to achieve a light distribution that meets all lighting classes. Components from reputable manufacturers and new LED modules contribute to very high luminous efficiency - nearly 130 lm/W.
When choosing street lighting, you should also pay attention to the color rendering index, which allows you to see details more easily and, above all, faster, so also pedestrians entering the lanes. Also obvious is high resistance to mechanical damage and adequate tightness to ensure protection from adverse weather conditions or impacts.