Lahore to Introduce European-Style Pelican Signals on Major Roads. The Punjab government has announced a new traffic safety initiative for Lahore that will allow pedestrians to stop traffic by pressing a button. The plan includes installing European-style pelican signals on major roads across the city. Officials say the move aims to improve pedestrian safety, reduce accidents, and modernize Lahore’s traffic system.
What Has Been Announced
According to officials, Lahore will soon get pelican crossing signals, a system widely used in Europe. These signals allow pedestrians to press a button at crossings. Once pressed, the traffic light turns red after a short delay, forcing vehicles to stop and allowing people to cross the road safely.
The project is part of a broader smart city and road safety program supported by the Punjab government. The announcement gained public attention after being shared by Startup Pakistan, highlighting the government’s push toward modern urban solutions.
Why Pelican Signals Matter
Lahore is one of Pakistan’s busiest cities. Heavy traffic, fast-moving vehicles, and limited pedestrian crossings make roads dangerous for walkers, students, and elderly citizens. Many accidents occur because pedestrians have no safe way to cross wide roads.
Pelican signals solve this problem by giving pedestrians control. Instead of waiting for long gaps in traffic, people can safely stop vehicles with the press of a button. This system reduces road deaths and encourages drivers to follow traffic rules.
Where the Signals Will Be Installed
Authorities plan to install pelican signals on major roads and high-traffic intersections. These include areas near schools, hospitals, markets, and public buildings where pedestrian movement is high. Traffic engineers will study road patterns before final installation to avoid congestion.
Officials say the rollout will happen in phases, starting with the busiest areas of the city.
How the System Works
The system is simple and user-friendly.
Pedestrians press the button at the crossing
The signal waits for a few seconds to manage traffic flow
Traffic lights turn red
Pedestrians get a green signal to cross safely
Once people cross, normal traffic resumes. The delay helps prevent sudden stops and keeps traffic moving smoothly.
Government’s Broader Traffic Reform Plan
The pelican signal project aligns with the Punjab government’s wider focus on road safety, digital monitoring, and smart traffic management. Under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, several reforms have been introduced to reduce accidents and improve urban infrastructure.
Officials say modern signals, better road design, and public awareness are key to building safer cities.
Public Reaction
Many citizens have welcomed the decision. Pedestrians, especially students and senior citizens, see it as a long-overdue step. Traffic experts also believe the system will bring discipline to roads if implemented properly and supported by enforcement.
Some drivers have raised concerns about traffic delays, but officials say careful planning will minimize disruption.
What Happens Next
Installation work is expected to begin after technical surveys and final approvals. Authorities will also run awareness campaigns to educate both drivers and pedestrians on how to use the new system correctly.
If successful in Lahore, the model may be expanded to other major cities in Punjab.
FAQs
What is a pelican signal?
It is a pedestrian-controlled traffic signal where people press a button to stop vehicles and cross safely.
Will traffic stop immediately after pressing the button?
No. The signal changes after a short delay to manage traffic flow safely.
Where will these signals be installed first?
On major roads, busy intersections, and areas with high pedestrian movement.
Is this system used in other countries?
Yes. Pelican signals are widely used in many European countries.
Will this reduce road accidents?
Officials believe it will significantly improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents.
Conclusion
The introduction of European-style pelican signals marks an important step toward safer and smarter roads in Lahore. By giving pedestrians a safe and controlled way to cross busy streets, the government aims to reduce accidents and modernize the city’s traffic system. If implemented effectively, this initiative could change how people move around Lahore and set a new standard for urban road safety in Pakistan.
