'Vehicle Protection Fences' on Pedestrian Vulnerable Roads
'LED' Signboards on One-Way Side Streets
Seoul City has decided to install large stone planters and bollards in pedestrian areas with concentrated crowds to block vehicle access, in response to pedestrian safety concerns raised by recent accidents such as the one at City Hall Station. Protective barriers for vehicles will be installed on roads with a high risk of accidents.
On the 24th, the city announced the "Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Measures," focusing on reinforcing and replacing traffic safety facilities and improving the pedestrian environment. The goal is to minimize blind spots in pedestrian areas and establish a proactive response system to prevent traffic accidents. Based on a survey identifying dangerous pedestrian sidewalks throughout Seoul, the city will invest 30.8 billion KRW to improve over 400 locations and sections by next year.
First, 'vehicle protective fences' will be installed at 98 vulnerable pedestrian roads such as steep slopes, sharp curves, and crowded areas. Currently, most fences on sidewalks are intended to prevent jaywalking, but these will be replaced with stronger fences capable of protecting pedestrians even if struck by vehicles. Installation has already been completed at the accident site near City Hall Station.
In open public spaces like plazas and low-curb crosswalks, large stone planters and bollards will be additionally installed to primarily block vehicle entry. This is based on the judgment that vehicle ramming accidents in open spaces crowded with people during events pose a high risk of major accidents. According to the city, large stone planters provide both landscaping benefits and significant traffic accident prevention effects. The city plans to install planters and bollards at Gwanghwamun Plaza and near Dongdaemun DDP.
At the end points of one-way main roads where wrong-way driving accidents are likely, 'No Entry (One-Way)' signs will be reinforced and installed. The city also plans to fill sidewalks at road corners (angles) concurrently. On one-way side streets where drivers may confuse the driving direction, 'No U-turn' signs will be installed as easily recognizable LED signs. Replacement for 80 sections will begin this year and continue through next year.
In areas lacking pedestrian space, projects to create or expand sidewalks will be carried out by next year. Additionally, the city will continue to consult with the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on institutional improvements, such as reforming the 'elderly driver' license system into a customized license system based on actual driving ability.
Yoon Jong-jang, Director of the Seoul City Transportation Office, stated, "As the importance of the pedestrian environment increases due to recent traffic accidents, Seoul City will mobilize all available measures to implement proactive and systematic countermeasures. We will strive to create a city where all citizens can walk safely with peace of mind."
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