Pedestrian platforms

Description

Pedestrian platforms, also known as raised tables, are crossing aids for pedestrians raised above the carriageway level. They can be a raised safety platform to reduce vehicle speeds with the secondary benefit of providing a crossing place for pedestrians. They generally have a flat top and sit flush with the kerbs. On their own they provide a focus for pedestrians to cross, however pedestrians must still give way to vehicles. An example of a pedestrian platform is shown in the photo below.

Pedestrian platform, Christchurch. (Photo: Ben Jassin) Note: shows old zig zag markings.

Pedestrian platforms can support other forms of control such as zebra crossings and signalised crossings. 

PNG: Zebra crossings

PNG: Signalised crossings

Courtesy crossings and pedestrian platforms – what’s the difference?

Courtesy crossing	Pedestrian platform
Courtesy crossings are intended to facilitate eye contact between pedestrians and drivers resulting in a mutually negotiated position over who goes first.	On their own pedestrian platforms provide a focus for pedestrians to cross, however pedestrians must still give way to vehicles.
Traffic volume less than 7500vpd (could be higher if a median refuge is provided and an alternative crossing provided nearby)	Traffic volumes less than 3000vpd
Vehicle operating speeds very low, at most 30km/h, ideally 20km/h or less. The lower the speed the more effective the crossing as vehicles are going to slower so are more likely to be courteous to pedestrians wishing to cross.	Vehicle operating speeds less than 50km/h (the platform should be designed to slow vehicle speeds to 30km/h)
Likely to be found on Activity Streets, Main Streets and Civic Spaces where pedestrian volumes are high	Likely to be found on Local Streets and Activity Streets where the pedestrian volumes are low
Ideally on a platform with steep approach ramps to reduce vehicle speeds	On a platform with approach ramps to reduce vehicle speeds
Crossing colour/texture should contrast with the road and footpath to indicate both users are guests over the crossing	Crossing colour/texture should contrast with the footpath to indicate that pedestrians do not have priority and ideally be the same material as the road.

When to use

Check whether a pedestrian platform is a suitable treatment for your site by referring to:

PNG: Crossing selection guidance

Benefits

• Guides pedestrians to a safer place to cross.
• Reduces or helps to reinforce slower vehicle speeds.
• Can eliminate grade changes from the pedestrian route and therefore the need for kerb ramps.

Implications

• Does not give pedestrians priority so can be less suitable for some pedestrian user groups.
• Can result in unsafe use if pedestrians assume they have right of way.
• Can create discomfort for vehicle occupants travelling over platforms if not well designed (particularly buses).
• May increase noise as vehicles brake, slow, pass over them and then accelerate (particularly heavy vehicles).

Recommended parameters

• Primary Safe System treatment if operating speeds are below 30km/h[1].
• Operating speed of 50km/h or less with platform ramps and other features designed to slow speeds to 30km/h or less.
• Traffic volume less than 3000vpd (could be higher if a median refuge is provided).
• Likely to be a feature on Local Streets and Activity Streets.
• Only appropriate for low pedestrian volumes.
• Should be combined with kerb extensions to minimise crossing distance.
• Crossing should be of an appearance and colour that is clearly distinguishable from the footpath to indicate that pedestrians do not have priority.

Pedestrian platforms can be combined with other elements:

PNG: Kerb extensions

PNG: Pedestrian refuges

PNG: Zebra crossings

Legal considerations

Platforms can be installed to guide pedestrians to a place at which to cross a roadway. A platform on its own does not require a driver to stop their vehicle while a pedestrian crosses the roadway (TCD Rule, 8.1(2)).

The rule also imposes obligations to ensure the platform:

• has the appropriate signs, markings, delineation and illumination
• has no permanent vegetation, traffic control device or other object placed on it impairing visibility
• is safe and appropriate for the road, its environment or the use of the road
• conveys a clear and consistent message to all road users
• is placed so as to be visible to road users and allow adequate time for their intended response.

Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004

Design considerations

It is important that pedestrians identify they are do not have priority on a pedestrian platform, so there must be a clear demarcation between the road and the footpath in the following ways:

• The material used on top of the platform must be significantly different in colour and/or texture from the footpath but can be the same colour/texture as the road.
• There should be a clear demarcation between the platform and the footpath, for example using a white concrete kerb or line between the edge of the platform and the footpath.
• Tactile warning indicators must be used at the boundary with the platform.

Platforms must either be flush with the footpath (so no kerb ramps necessary) or the transition between the footpath and the platform must provide for the smooth passage of all pedestrians including those using small wheels. It is noted that at some existing pedestrian platforms the edges taper to the drainage channels however these are generally not desirable for pedestrian crossing locations.

Bollards or other access control devices should not be used where they would restrict access by mobility devices or create a tripping hazard.

Signs such as ‘Pedestrians watch for vehicles’, ‘Pause’ or ‘Pedestrians cross with care’ have been installed at some platforms although these are not necessary or recommended if there is a clear demarcation between the platform and the footpath.

Drivers should be made aware of a pedestrian platform in good time so they are able to reduce their speed, for example they should not be located immediately after a sharp bend. Markings are also required on the approach ramps as the driver’s view of the top of the platform is restricted.

Design elements

Pedestrian platforms must adopt a flat top profile. The recommended approach ramp grades to achieve Safe System impact speeds are detailed in the table below. These grades optimise the likelihood of vehicles slowing to the desired speed on the approach to a pedestrian platform. Easing of ramp grades below the values listed may be considered to accommodate certain road users, such as heavy vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses or bicycles. However this needs to be balanced against the impact if the majority of users are able to traverse the platform comfortably thus reducing its effectiveness.

The table below outlines the design elements for pedestrian platforms and the figure below shows a typical layout for a pedestrian platform.

Table: Design elements for pedestrian platforms

A typical layout of a pedestrian platform.

Surfacing materials

A wide variety of surfacing material can be used on pedestrian platforms, however they must:

• be highly durable
• be able to withstand the impact of moving traffic
• retain their colour, texture and/or contrast well
• have a high skid resistance, with a sideways force coefficient higher than 0.55
• bond well with road marking material
• be compatible with underlying or adjacent material
• minimise the effects of glare, bright sky reflection and wet roads at night.