20 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland 1010
Private Bag 92250, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
+64 9 355 3553 | at.govt.nz
20 December 2024
Marcus
[FYI request #29576 email]
Kia ora Marcus
The information you requested – CAS-1030274-Y1T3Y7
Thank you for your request for information dated 16 December 2024 about the PB/5 pedestrian
button used around Auckland.
1. Does pressing the button influence a signal change?
1b. Assuming it does, what actually happens within the traffic light system (at a high
level)?
The first push calls the corresponding pedestrian crossing which wil run at the soonest instance.
Multiple pushes of the button make no difference to when the crossing wil run.
The traffic signals follow a set pattern of phases and if demanded the pedestrian crossing wil run
in its allocated phase.
2. In some areas of the city (CBD), it appears at some locations are configured to trigger
crossings at increased frequencies. Is this accurate?
2b. If so, what are the general boundaries where these areas of increased frequency start
and end?
Since 2020, the majority of the crossings in the city centre are set to always run from 7am-7pm
based on relatively high levels of pedestrian traffic.
3. Is there a "default" crossing length that is set for most crossings or is it adjusted on a
case-by-case basis?
Al crossings are of varying distance and have varying crossing times. There are 3 periods of a
crossing, the "green man" walk period which is usually always 6 seconds, except at a Barnes
Dance intersection where all crossings run at the same time. In those situations, the walk period is
usually 12 seconds. Then there is a clearance period which is determined by the length of the
crossing. This is the time required for a pedestrian to cross safely at a speed of 1.2m/s. For
example, a 12m crossing wil have a 10seconds clearance time, a longer crossing wil have longer
clearance periods. The all-red period varies from 1-3 seconds depending on the physical layout of
the intersection.
4. There are some "variants" of the PB/5 such as buttons that have rectangular metal bars
attached, presumably to stop cases of people kicking the button and other things like that.
Was there any particular inciting incident that originally caused those additions to be
made?
We don't generally do this in Auckland. It has been used by Wellington City and other locations in
NZ in the past. As mentioned, it is to try and reduce damage to the push button from people kicking
the button with their feet.
5. How much does a PB/5 button cost (roughly)?
Approximately $300
5b. Who are the various suppliers (if more than one) for the PB/5 in Auckland?
These are standard devices imported by our traffic signal contractors from overseas.
Should you believe that we have not dealt with your request appropriately, you are able to make a
complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman in accordance with section 27(3) of the LGOIMA Act
and seek an investigation and review in regard to this matter.
Ngā mihi,
Phil Wratt
Engagement Manager
Customer Care
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