Automatic pedestrian signal crossings, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be expanded into major health precincts across Greater Sydney through a gradual roll out. The first stage started today in Randwick at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

The same initiative was rolled out on Monday 23 March across the Sydney CBD, 24 hours seven days a week.

Transport for NSW Secretary Rodd Staples said we have been working closely with NSW Healthand the NSW Centre for Road Safety, and identified key health precincts where this targeted initiative would be effective in protecting frontline staff and those who are most vulnerable.

“We’re introducing this initiative to minimise the spread of Coronavirus in the community, especially for essential hospital staff, patients, and members of the community visiting the hospital,” Mr Staples said.

“People should continue to wash their hands regularly, sneeze and cough into their elbows or clean tissues that are then discarded and always practice social distancing.”

Pedestrian signals at key traffic intersections and in the immediate vicinity of major health precincts will become automated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This means pedestrians no longer need to push the ‘call’ button to activate the pedestrian signal crossings while still being able to cross the road safely and access health services.

Transport for NSW has taken a targeted approach by implementing this public health measure where pedestrian activity is high and it would be most effective in limiting the spread of Coronavirus. Implementing this initiative across all signal crossings state-wide is not possible and would unnecessarily impact on traffic flow in some areas.

From Saturday 28 March, automated pedestrian signal crossings will be gradually rolled out in the following health precincts:

Sydney Children's Hospital – Randwick

Prince of Wales Hospital - Randwick

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - Camperdown

St Vincent's Hospital - Darlinghurst

The Children's Hospital at Westmead - Westmead

Westmead Hospital - Westmead

Liverpool Hospital - Liverpool