An IoT-Enabled Real-Time Pedestrian-Activated Signal System for Urban Road Safety

Abstract

Pedestrian safety is a critical public concern in rapidly urbanising regions, where traffic density, inadequate crossing infrastructure, and unpredictable driver behaviour combine to create high-risk situations. Existing signalised crossings often fail to accommodate real-time pedestrian needs, particularly during peak hours, at multi-lane junctions, or in locations where jaywalking is widespread. This paper proposes PASSTAG, a novel Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled pedestrian activation system that integrates mobile authentication, vehicular communication units, and adaptive signal controllers. Using a pay-per-use model, pedestrians can securely trigger an all-red phase for vehicles, followed by a pedestrian green interval, enabling safe passage. The system integrates embedded sensing, cloud analytics, and microtransaction-based authentication, addressing both technological and governance concerns. A mixed-methods research design, combining simulation modelling, stakeholder interviews, and pilot-scenario testing, demonstrates that PASSTAG can reduce pedestrian wait time by 48–62% and improve driver compliance. The article further provides a system architecture, management implications, risk considerations, and pathways for large-scale deployment.