Female figures replace male ones in traffic lights "to promote gender equality"
Female figures have replaced male ones in crossing lights in Melbourne, Australia.
They are designed to reduce “unconscious bias built in our brain” and to "promote gender equality", said Martine Letts of the Committee of Melbourne.
Brimbank Mayor Margaret Guidice said the program was designed "to change gender attitudes."
A survey of 16,000 citizens found 93 per cent voted against female figures in crossing lights.
"I think some people have too much time on their hands", said Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
"It's a bunch of politically correct gesturing to make policy makers feel good about themselves", said Even Mulholland of Public Affairs. Ordinary people "are concerned about job security, rising crime and transport infrastructure," he said.
Citizen Simona Castricum criticised the idea as “tokenistic”. “The purpose of traffic signals is to let people cross the road safely", she said.
" I don’t know if we need our gender to come into that. And the idea that a woman wears a dress (is a) really outdated idea of what represents gender.”
Spain has used female figures at crossing lights for more than 10 years.
Germany and the Netherlands have them too.
An okay to "Walk" signal in Germany
A "Don't Walk" signal in Germany.