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We represent walking for all Queenslanders

Position statement: Raised priority crossings (Wombat crossings)

Queensland Walks recommends Raised Priority Crossings in urban streets.

Raised Priority Crossings are one of the safest and most comfortable crossings options. This is why Queensland Walks recommends a boost to road safety funding for a dedicated Raised Priority Crossings Program to increase pedestrian safety in Queensland.  

 

What is a Raised Priority Crossing?

Raised Priority Crossings are sometimes known as ‘wombat crossings’ and look similar to a zebra crossing yet feature a hump like a wombat!  

Raised Priority Crossings have a platform that is usually at the same level or ‘at-grade’ to the footpath, making it much easier for older people, people with disability and children to navigate.  

 

Raised crossing Montville

What is the purpose of a Raised Crossing?

The purpose of a Raised Priority Crossing is to: 

  • improve road safety by reducing driver and vehicle speeds, and make it clear to drivers that walkers have priority
  • elevate people walking so drivers can see more easily, making it safer especially for children, wheelchair or white cane users, and older people 
  • reduce trip hazards or falls risks to people walking, rolling and strolling 
  • reduce unnecessary and difficult kerb ramps
  • To provide an accessible crossing facility for all members of the community. 

Numerous Queensland studies conducted with parents of school children, and residents have shown most users have high levels of concern when using crossings like refuges or untreated crossings (Sidelines Traffic 2021-24).

What types of Raised Priority Crossings are there?

Raised Priority Crossings must meet the required guidelines, but can be designed to meet the conditions of the street or area. Here are some examples of crossings: 

Raised Crossings can be used:

  • as a mid-block crossing and may feature kerb extensions to make it safer for walkers
  • on slip lanes to make it safer for walkers and to make the road rules clear that drivers must give way to people walking or riding across a slip lane
  • on side street crossings that cars are turning into or out of
  • on private property or driveway entrances: in some cases, you will see a speed bump before the raised crossing. These are often used in shopping centre carparks, to significantly reduce driver speeds where there are more unpredictable pedestrian movements and vehicle speed should be very safe
  • at the entry, exit or near roundabouts. These can be found in Dutch-style roundabouts and can vary in the number of crossings on the roundabout and the style of design. As roundabouts are so difficult to navigate for people walking, Queensland Walks calls for more Dutch style roundabouts with raised crossings
  • featured with a pedestrian refuge in the centre
  • on single lane and dual lane roads
  • in newer bikeways or shared pathway infrastructure such as the North Brisbane Bikeway. 


Raised Priority Crossing have several names and identities! For example: Wombat crossing, Raised Crossing, Raised Pedestrian Crossing, Raised Safety Platform, Priority Crossing, Raised intersection, pedestrian-first crossing, at-grade crossing.
 Queensland Walks doesn’t mind what you call them, we love them and want to see more in urban areas to keep all Queenslanders safer walking and encourage more walking.

Where do we need Raised Priority Crossings?

  • High activity areas like: schools, shopping and transport precincts (up to 2 km radius): upgrade existing zebra crossings to Raised Priority Crossings and add Raised Crossings on side streets 
  • Mid block crossings in major centres
  • Slip lanes
  • Priority Crossings built in conjunction with a build out or road narrowing on side streets where walkers are more vulnerable
  • Roundabouts: more Dutch-style roundabouts with raised crossings, because roundabouts are difficult and dangerous for people to navigate when walking.
Wombat Crossing Sunshine Coast

How can you help in your community?

  • When you see a dangerous crossing in your area, you can advocate to your local council, Councillor, State MP and Transport and Main Roads
  • Complete a Walk my Street check with your Councillor or State MP,  share the results with community, and ask for a Raised Priority Crossings. 
  • You can use the hashtag #wewantwombats #QldWalks #WewalkQLD and #walkrollrunstroll

QUEENSLAND WALKS RECOMMENDS

  1. An escalated Raised Priority Crossings Program for a targeted and enhanced safety measure for safe crossings
  2. A boost to road safety funding around high activity areas with the Raised Priority Crossings program 
  3. For local and state governments to be supported and encouraged to increase the application of Raised Priority Crossings in urban areas
  4. For local community members to advocate for Raised Priority Crossings with their local and state government