The first contactless mobile pedestrian system has been launched to help beat the pandemic by allowing pedestrians to reduce their contact with surfaces that can carry the Covid-19 virus.

Developed by UK-based ITS solutions provider SRL, the Wave and Wait sensor can be incorporated into new and existing SRL Pedestrian Portable and Pedestrian Temporary signals, along with those within the Urban64^TM intelligent traffic light solution coordinating multi-directional flows of traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrians are alerted to the contactless option by a sign on the stainless steel touch button; the signals simultaneously retain their push-button functionality for the benefit of pedestrians who are visually impaired.

Wave and Wait is the latest new product to come from SRL, a company that has played an active role in helping the country to combat Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.  Around 70 of the company’s variable message signs (VMS) are currently deployed across the UK by councils to promote safety and to direct people to testing sites.

“Throughout the pandemic, SRL has worked hard to help the country to tackle Covid, and Wave and Wait is a game-changer,” says SRL’s chief executive officer, Richard Tredwin. “The product has already generated considerable interest, and I am confident that, once we’ve left Covid behind, the market for contactless pedestrian systems will continue due to the heightened global awareness of the importance of hygiene.

“In 2003, SRL became an industry pioneer, developing and achieving Type Approval for the UK and Rebuplic of Ireland’s first multi-phase temporary traffic and pedestrian system, and it is extremely gratifying that in 2021, we are able to launch another first in the pedestrian market.”

SRL appointed its first group product and compliance manager in January, in a move designed to support the delivery of further leading-edge solutions to the traffic management, construction, events and utilities sectors.  It has also recently introduced a new 3,000 sq ft hire depot in Northampton to its 29-strong distribution network – the largest in the UK and RoI.

SRL’s products are available both for hire and for sale.  The company is the only manufacturer available to customers on site 24/7, 365 days a year.  Founded in 1997, the company offers unrivalled expertise, supported by over 170 personnel and 140 specialist vehicles.  SRL is ISO accredited in quality management (9001), environmental management (14001) and occupational health and safety (45001).