Bleep & Sweep Toucan Crossing at Waterlooville (04/04/2018)

Another one of those new-fangled technologies which didn't quite make it somehow, the Bleep & Sweep staggered crossing audible signal. Originating in the early 1990s, the Bleep & Sweep used special speakers which could adapt to immediate sound levels enabling it to be just be heard above ambient sound. This allowed its use at staggered crossings which are otherwise without audible signals due to confusion which may arise as to which of the two (or more) crossings has the green man showing. A good idea in theory, perhaps thwarted by the advanced technology being cost inefficient in comparison to the traditional beeper. This example at Maurepas Way, Waterlooville (a large town in Hampshire named for the Battle of Waterloo) is a relatively late installation - 2004. It is a Toucan Crossing which allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross simultaneously due to the extra width in comparison to the Puffin and the near-threatened Pelican. A rather neat feature here is the lack of requirement to push the button for the second stage of the crossing for your request is dealt with automatically.