Norfolk County Council is working in collaboration with Vision Norfolk and AGD Systems as the first county in the UK to trial a new type of tactile signal for future use at signal-controlled crossings.

Currently, the tactile signal used across the county known as ‘Cone A’ takes the form of a tapered cone with a surface of narrow grooves. The cone can be found underneath the push button unit and rotates when the green man appears as an invitation to cross.

AGD Systems is one of the main suppliers of pedestrian crossing signal equipment in the UK has come up with a new ‘Cone B’ design which they wanted to seek users’ opinions on. It is a different style of cone that is believed to be more accessible, particularly in cold weather, when gloves will worn, and for sight-impaired people who can suffer from loss of sensitivity in their fingers.

‘Cone B’ has been installed at the junction of Magdalen Street/Edward Street in Norwich with support from the team at Vision Norfolk who work nearby and have been feeding back on the new cone design for the trial.

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said, “I’m thrilled that Norfolk is taking part in this trial of a system which in the future could really support those with visual impairments across the UK. We’re ambitious for Norfolk, and being at the forefront of new technology like this helps us to ensure that we’re providing the best for people across Norfolk as early as possible.”

Kieran Corbally, Senior Commercial Manager at AGD said, ” We are delighted to have our award-winning Cone B installed as part of a trial in Norfolk. The positive feedback we’ve received has been fantastic, and we look forward to further installations and continuing to support innovative solutions for improved traffic management and road safety for vulnerable pedestrians.

One client visiting the Vision Norfolk offices said, “I found the new tactile cone much easier to use with my gloves on with the cold wet weather we are now having. I don’t need to remove my glove to use the cone.  

The tactile cone is a small piece of technology, hidden from view which makes a massive difference to those that require and use it regularly