Easier crossing for visually impaired

BENIDORM’S new acoustic pedestrian crossings provide more safety for the blind.

Depending on whether they are red or green, the traffic light installation emits a series of sound signals that are activated by a push-button device. This also vibrates to advise those with both sight and hearing problems when it is safe to cross.

The volume of the acoustic signals automatically adjusts to noise levels and is lowered at night so that nearby residents are not disturbed. 

The crossings have been installed at the intersection where the Beniarda, Jaime I and Alfonso Puchades avenues meet and in the Avenida del Mediterraneo and Avenida Villajoyosa.

The town hall and the National Organisation for the Blind (ONCE) are in permanent contact, Benidorm Mayor Toni Perez said “We are prepared to install more of these crossings wherever the organisation feels they are needed.”