When crossing a street in the city of Dalian in northeast China, people now hear a voice telling them: "It's a red light now. Press the button if you'd like to cross the street."
The voice instruction system that has been just installed at intersections is delighting pedestrians -- senior citizens and children in particular -- who say they are safer now.
When the light turns green, the voice says: "It's a green lightnow. Please cross quickly."
A pedestrian said the system made him feel respected.
Developed by Dalian municipal traffic police department, the system has been quickly patented. More such devices are expected to be installed in the city.
A similar system has been adopted in other countries but without the voice aid, department sources say.
(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2002)
