New High-Tech Pedestrian Crossings to Shield Schools in Rethymno

• Safety First: The Municipality of Rethymno has begun installing 14 smart pedestrian crossings near school complexes to eliminate traffic accidents.
• Active Protection: The systems use LED road lighting and illuminated vertical signs, activated by pedestrians with the touch of a button.
• Strategic Funding: The project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and implemented by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE).
• High Visibility: Engineered for maximum impact, the technology ensures pedestrians are seen even in low light or under adverse Cretan weather conditions.

“The temporary traffic disruption during construction is a significant investment in the safety of our children and the improvement of everyone’s daily life.” — Municipality of Rethymno.

Lighting the Way for the Next Generation

Rethymno is taking a significant step toward becoming a safer, smarter city. The first of 14 planned “smart” crossings is already being installed at the 14th Primary School, marking the start of a city-wide initiative. By integrating technology directly into the asphalt, the municipality is creating a high-visibility shield around its schools, ensuring that drivers are alerted the moment a student steps toward the curb.

How the Smart System Works

Unlike traditional painted stripes that can fade or become invisible in the rain, these crossings are interactive. When a pedestrian presses a signal button:

1. In-Road LEDs: Lights embedded in the pavement flash to create a luminous boundary.
2. Vertical Signaling: Synchronized LED signs at eye level for drivers light up, providing an unmistakable warning to slow down. This dual-layered approach is designed to catch a driver’s attention far earlier than conventional signage, providing critical seconds of reaction time.

A Benefit for the Entire Community

While the primary focus is on protecting pupils during school hours, the impact of this investment extends far beyond that. These smart crossings will remain a permanent fixture of Rethymno’s urban landscape, benefiting residents of all ages and the thousands of visitors who navigate the city’s streets each year. Whether it’s a tourist exploring the outskirts or a resident walking home at dusk, the increased visibility sets a new standard for road safety in Crete.