World's first pop-up zebra crossing launched by frustrated parents

A pop-up zebra crossing that can be installed on any road in less than a minute has been launched by frustrated parents concerned about road safety at their children's school.

The idea was developed by parents in Kingston-upon-Thames, UK after their request for a safe crossing outside their children's school was turned down on the basis of cost; according to the Highways Agency, a basic zebra crossing costs £114,000.

The pop-up zebra crossing costs less than £50 to install. It uses recycled linoleum, drain pipes and two orange balloons to create an effect that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

A spokesperson at the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) and one of the parents behind the pop-up zebra crossing, Yannick Read, said: "The idea may be tongue-in-cheek, but the issue is deadly serious; with over 2,000 children killed or seriously injured each year on our roads, parents should never have to battle to have a genuine crossing installed."

The first ever pop-up zebra crossing has been unveiled today to coincide with Green Transport Week 2012, which runs until 24th June.
To watch a film of the crossing – search 'Pop-up zebra crossing' in Youtube or click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wBYs-n43ug

22 June 2012