South Dublin County Council, Roads Department has installed the 'Button by Neatebox' touchless pedestrian crossing control system in two locations within the County.

With Button you can use your mobile phone to virtually 'press' the pedestrian crossing button. It can be used to operate pedestrian crossings safely and confidently.

This free App is available on iOS or Android and allows you to focus on your surroundings without having to stretch or search for the button.

This seems like a good idea for the disabled however the public seem to think different saying it is a waste of money, silly to see such a thing being on your phone at pedestrian crossings and no use to the visually impaired. We already have smarter options available in the city and if the button is too high for disabled people should it not be lowered or use the other technology we already have instead that has motion sensors etc.. Then you have of course the data collection argument, what do you think of this idea?

Benefits of Button include:

  • Reduce anxiety: With the automatic button push, you do not have to worry about locating the manual button or getting near to it. It is a touchless system which is an additional benefit to public health and safety.
  • Automatic push enabled: You can use the auto push facility which will enable you to activate a button push while leaving your device in your pocket.
  • More time to cross: You can start to cross from the edge of the pavement being perfectly aligned for a safe crossing. This will give you effectively more time to cross.
  • Data-driven decisions: The system collects usage data with every interaction which can be used for the provision of more efficient traffic management and infrastructure planning.

The Button system can be found at:

Belgard Square North, Tallaght - near the entrance to Tallaght hospital. GPS 53.289225 -6.374975

Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin - at the post office. GPS 53.324402 -6.395448