If it is found to improve safety, the city council says more such crossings could be added in the local area. Officials are also keen to encourage people to wear light coloured or reflective clothing when walking or cycling at night.

The crossing is located on the junction of Clarendon Road and Palmerston Road in the Southsea area of the south coast city. “We chose this crossing because it’s very busy, particularly at night with all the bars and restaurants,” said Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for traffic and transportation Lynne Stagg.

“We want to make the crossing more visible and encourage more people to cross there safely,” she said, adding: “We’re always looking for new ways to improve road safety.”

The crossing design was developed and installed by roads contractor Colas which has previously trialled the idea in France. Use of the crossing will be monitored and, if it makes a positive difference, similar lights could be added to more crossings in Portsmouth.

The contractor’s director of asset contracting Ian Gibson said: “We are delighted Portsmouth City Council is leading the way in innovative solutions to improve the road safety and the street scene by using this system.

“We are looking forward to sharing the results of this trial within the industry.”

(Photograph: Portsmouth City Council)