3D pedestrian crossings aim to slow drivers down

Three-dimensional zebra crossings are being painted on several roads in Flanders, in an experiment to see whether they make drivers slow down.

The trompe l'oeil design was first tested out in Schaerbeek in 2017, and was inspired by an initiative in Iceland.

The Flemish roads agency AWV has now selected three locations in the region - in Antwerp, Beersel (Flemish Brabant) and Bilzen (Limburg province).

Different colours and optical illusions will give the impression that the pedestrian crossing is floating above the road surface.

CCTV cameras at each location will record how effective the new approach is. If successful, it could be extended to other areas.