Automatic pedestrian signal crossings, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have been activated in streets around Wollongong Hospital to protect frontline staff, patients and visitors.
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The initiative, being rolled out at 10 major health precincts across the state, 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.
In Wollongong, the automatic crossings have been activated on Crown Street crossings at intersections with Darling/Osborne St; Staff St and New Dapto Rd.
Transport for NSW worked with NSW Health and the NSW Centre for Road Safety to identify key health precincts where this targeted initiative would be effective.
A Transport spokesman said the initiative aimed to minimise the spread of coronavirus in the community, especially for essential hospital staff, patients, and members of the community visiting the hospital.
Automated pedestrian signal crossings have been rolled out at 10 hospital precincts, also including Liverpool, Westmead, Randwick and Blacktown hospitals.
"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," the spokesman said.
"Implementing this initiative across all signal crossings statewide is not possible and would unnecessarily impact on traffic flow in some areas."
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