Major Drive Pedestrian Crossing – Flashing Beacons

Final update 18 November 2024

Following community consultation and data analysis, additional safety measures in the form of Belisha beacons were installed at the Major Drive pedestrian crossing in Kelson.

Residents raised concerns about safety at night due to low fog, heavy rain, and speeding drivers, reporting near misses and close calls. Flashing beacons were identified as a solution to improve visibility and alert drivers.

Belisha beacons, with their flashing yellow globes, are highly effective in low light and adverse weather, enhancing crossing visibility, driver awareness, and road safety.

To minimise light impact on nearby homes, the beacons include cube-shaped light columns with blockers on two faces. 

A final adjustment will include block-out paint to further shield light, applied to the maximum extent before compromising safety.

Outcome from the consultation:

• 116 out of 191 people (61.1%) have encountered poor visibility due to weather when driving along Major Drive. 
• 87 out of 191 people feel unsafe and 22 out of 191 people feel very unsafe as a pedestrian crossing Major Drive at this pedestrian crossing. 
• 113 out of 191 people (59.2%) have supported a flashing beacon instead of the Belisha orange discs at the pedestrian crossing at major drive. 

Photo of Belisha beacons on Major Drive in “low light and misty conditions”:

Our consultation showed that the majority of respondents support upgrading the Major Drive crossing to include flashing lights, further improving the safety of pedestrians and road users. See below for a summary of the survey.

The existing orange discs will be replaced with flashing lights on Tuesday 5 November.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback.

Summary of survey results:

Q1. Have you encountered poor visibility due to weather when driving along Major Drive?
Yes, 61.1%
No, 38.9%

Q2. How safe do you feel as a pedestrian crossing Major Drive at this pedestrian crossing?

Q3. Do you have children that walk to Kelson School?
Yes, 50%
No, 50%

Q4. Would you support a flashing beacon instead of the existing disc at the pedestrian crossing on Major Drive?
Yes, 59.2%
No, 40.8%

Q5. Please describe how you feel overall about the safety and road environment before and after this raised pedestrian crossing has been installed.
54.37% of responses were in favour of more lighting, 38.7% were not in favour of more lightning, and 6.88% of replies were neutral on this subject.

A new pedestrian crossing has recently been installed on Major Drive in Kelson.

Current Pedestrian Crossing

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the crossing which aim to further improve safety for pedestrians and road users.

The crossing includes overhead LED lights and orange discs affixed to the light poles to increase visibility of the crossing.

Current Orange Discs

 Residents have raised safety concerns about visibility during night time and foggy conditions.

Council is proposing to replace the current orange discs with flashing beacons to improve visibility and enhance safety.

Example: Proposed Flashing Beacon

Please complete our survey by 5pm Friday 25 October if you would like to provide feedback on this proposal.