Spanish town makes pedestrian crossing buttons bigger so users can push them with their elbows to avoid catching Covid-19
- Town hall bosses in Mataro, near Barcelona, are changing nearly 180 crossings
- Larger buttons will make it easier to use the crossing without risking infection
- The first large-size buttons went into operation yesterday in the seaside town
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
A tourist town near Barcelona is making its pedestrian crossing buttons bigger – so users can push them with their elbows and reduce the risk of catching Covid-19.
Town hall bosses in Mataro plan to change nearly 180 crossing buttons so people don’t have to use their fingers.
The first large-size buttons went into operation yesterday in the seaside town and the rest will be installed over the coming three weeks.
The buttons will be eliminated entirely at another 25 crossings and the lights will become automatic in another anti-coronavirus measure.
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Small buttons get the el-bow: Town hall bosses in Mataro plan to change nearly 180 crossing buttons so people don’t have to use their fingers. Pictured, a new larger button
Pictographs designed to encourage social distancing – painted on zebra crossings and pavements – are also being rolled out as part of a package of practical solutions to combat Covid-19.
Mataro, a short drive north of Barcelona, is thought to be the first place in Spain to unveil the elbow-friendly pedestrian crossing buttons.
Face mask-wearing locals welcomed them today, with one saying: ‘Anything that helps in the fight against this virus has got to be welcomed.’ A town hall spokesman said: ‘The number of buttons being changed is 177.
A worker demonstrates how to use an elbow to safely activate the crossing. The first large-size buttons went into operation yesterday in the seaside town and the rest will be installed over the coming three weeks
The buttons will be eliminated entirely at another 25 crossings and the lights will become automatic in another anti-coronavirus measure
Mataro, a short drive north of Barcelona, is thought to be the first place in Spain to unveil the elbow-friendly pedestrian crossing buttons
Two workers wore masks and gloves as they replaced the former small button with the new social distancing-friendly larger version
‘They’re designed so the green light can be activated more safely using your elbow and finger contact is not necessary as it has been up until now.
‘Another 25 crossings will become automatic and the buttons eliminated.’ Mataro is on the Costa del Maresme, to the south of the Costa Brava.
During the Barcelona 1992 Olympics, it was the starting point for the marathon events.
It is a popular destination for Barcelona locals and visitors. The Catalan capital is just a 40-minute train ride away.
Its beach is one of its main attractions and can be enjoyed without the crowds unlike the busy Barcelona beaches.