High-definition cameras and sensors are being rolled out at pedestrian crossings near Melbourne schools to make students safer and cut down traffic-light waits for motorists.
The Victorian government on Friday announced it will install the innovative pedestrian crossing technology at 75 sites in the city's west, east and southeast.
The gadgets will be able to detect how many pedestrians are waiting and adjust crossing times to suit, complementing the efforts of Victoria's 3000 daily school crossing supervisors.
Intersections with high pedestrian traffic or near train stations are being targeted for the upgrades, including at Clarinda Primary School, St Joseph's Primary School in Boronia and Heathdale Christian College in Werribee.
The program will deliver 125 new electronic speed signs in school zones, while more are being installed at 55 schools across the state before term two begins on Monday.
The state government says the upgrades will help Victoria in its strategy to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030.
"We all have a responsibility to keep Victorian kids safe as they get to and from school - even a small reduction in speed could save a child's life," Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said in a statement.
"These important upgrades will help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe, and improve efficiency and traffic flow during busy school drop-off and pick-up times."
