McCann installs Liverpool’s enhanced pedestrian crossing and speed limit signs.
McCann has proudly supported the delivery of Flowell technology, an illuminated pedestrian crossing and smart speed signage in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, Simmonsigns, and Flowell by Colas, setting a new benchmark in road safety innovation.
These enhancements, located outside The Belvedere Academy and Booker Avenue Infant School, are designed to significantly boost pedestrian visibility and encourage safe driver behaviour through responsive, interactive technology.
This work is part of a trial by Liverpool City Council through ADEPT Live Labs 2, a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network. At the heart of this trial is the use of innovative illuminated LED traffic systems to enhance key crossing points and roads to make streets safer, especially for schoolchildren.
Liverpool’s First Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings and Speed Signage Installed:
On the pedestrian crossing outside The Belvedere Academy on Belvedere Road, McCann installed twelve Flowell illuminated panels, six on each side of the crossing. These are paired with thermal imaging cameras at either end of the crossing, angled towards the tactile pavement, that detect when pedestrians approach. The panels are automatically illuminated as pedestrians approach the crossing, providing an additional visual warning to motorists and allowing ample time for pedestrians to cross safely. This reactive lighting system transforms a standard zebra crossing into a highly visible, smart safety feature.
On Booker Avenue, near the entrance to Booker Avenue Infant School, McCann installed two Flowell 20MPH speed limit signs. Sensor cameras on both sides of the road feed data to the signs, and if a vehicle is going over the speed limit as it approaches the school entrance, the sign lights up to advise the driver to slow down. Importantly, these are not speed cameras; they do not record or fine drivers but simply trigger a visual warning to encourage safer driving.It creates a proactive speed reduction system that is designed to help protect children during busy drop-off and pick-up times. These signs are a smart way of reminding drivers to take extra care near a school, without relying solely on the static signs that can be easily ignored.
Expert Installation by McCann
Simmonsigns, who design, manufacture and supply high-specification road traffic solutions, are working closely with developers Flowell by Colas to roll out the innovative marking systems across the UK. McCann provided technical delivery for the installation, with an on-site Flowell expert to ensure adherence to technical and quality benchmarks.
McCann’s expert team handled every aspect of the installation. This included precision slot cutting of the road surface, laying of cabling and ducting, installation of feeder pillars, control panels, and the Flowell light panels. Our team also installed 4-metre posts to mount the thermal imaging and speed cameras and established all necessary DNO connections to power the system.
Given the proximity of sites to the schools, Liverpool City Council provided traffic management support by temporarily closing roads and diverting traffic to ensure safe working conditions. All work was carried out during school hours, with additional use when needed, of term holidays and weekends to minimise disruption to the local school communities.
This groundbreaking project highlights the successful collaboration between McCann, Simmonsigns, Flowell by Colas, and Liverpool City Council in delivering a pioneering approach to road safety through the Liverpool Live Lab project. By integrating innovative LED technology, the new illuminated pedestrian crossings and smart speed signage significantly enhance visibility and encourage safer driver behaviour, particularly in high-risk areas near schools.
Together, McCann, Simmonsigns, Flowell by Colas, and Liverpool City Council are setting a new benchmark in how innovation can be used to protect communities. This trial is a vital step towards the future of road safety and sustainable infrastructure, and McCann is proud to play a leading role in shaping that future.
