Lighting of Pedestrian Crossings and AS 1158.4 – 2024 Update
Pedestrian crossing lighting is an area where small design decisions have serious consequences. When it’s done well, pedestrians are clearly visible and drivers can react in time. When it’s done poorly, glare increases, visibility drops, and safety is compromised.
The 2024 update to AS1158.4 reflects this reality. It introduces clearer requirements around glare control, pedestrian visibility and long-term performance, and removes much of the ambiguity that previously existed in the lighting of pedestrian crossings. If you’re involved in road lighting design, asset upgrades or infrastructure planning, the changes are worth understanding properly.
Why the standard has been updated
Pedestrian safety data in Australia shows both long-term improvement and more recent cause for concern. Since 1995, pedestrian fatalities have reduced by approximately 60%, falling from 398 deaths in 1995 to 158 in 2023. However, this trend has reversed in recent years, with 2024 recording the highest pedestrian death toll in 12 years (167 fatalities).
Fatal pedestrian crashes are predominantly concentrated in urban and suburban areas and most commonly occur during low-light conditions, particularly near intersections and pedestrian crossings. The data also shows that most fatal pedestrian crashes occur in 50–60 km/h speed zones, often during the early evening or night-time period.
Lighting alone will not address every safety risk, but inadequate or poorly controlled lighting can worsen already high-risk environments. The 2024 update to AS1158.4 responds to these conditions by tightening requirements around pedestrian visibility and glare control, ensuring crossings are designed to support safer driver and pedestrian interaction.
What’s changed in AS1158.4:2024
One of the most practical improvements in the 2024 update is the introduction of simpler and more consistent calculation methods across Australia and New Zealand. This makes it easier to assess designs and reduces interpretation when demonstrating compliance.
Glare control is now much stricter. Luminaires with a peak intensity above 4,500 cd are no longer suitable for use in Australia, acknowledging that excessive glare reduces contrast and driver visibility. This is a clear move away from using standard road optics at crossings without considering their glare performance.
The standard also introduces lower allowable limits for upward waste light ratio (UWLR). This limits sky glow and spill light, reinforcing the need for light to be directed precisely where it is required.
Another important change is the clearer definition of horizontal and vertical illuminance grids. Horizontal illuminance on the road surface still matters, but there is now much stronger emphasis on vertical illuminance, which determines how well pedestrians are seen by approaching vehicles. This addresses a common issue where installations technically met horizontal targets but failed to adequately light people using the crossing.
Maintenance has also been refined. Updated maintenance and dirt depreciation factors are now included to ensure crossings remain compliant over time, not just immediately after installation.
PX1 and PX2 pedestrian lighting – what actually matters
AS1158.4 defines two pedestrian lighting subcategories: PX1 and PX2.
PX1 is generally used in lower-risk environments, while PX2 applies to higher-risk pedestrian crossings, particularly where road lighting already exists. Each category has defined requirements for minimum horizontal and vertical illuminance, glare limits and UWLR.
The standard now makes it clear that PX2 should generally be used where road lighting is present, unless the road authority determines the crossing is unlikely to be used at night. This is where many existing crossings fall short. Standard road luminaires and generic floodlights often cannot achieve the required vertical illuminance or glare limits, even if light levels appear adequate on paper.
Compliant pedestrian crossings require purpose-designed pedestrian optics, not repurposed road lighting.
What compliance looks like now
Compliance under AS1158.4 is clearer and easier to audit than before, but also less forgiving.
Designs must demonstrate:
glare limits are met within defined azimuth angles
UWLR does not exceed 1%
both horizontal and vertical illuminance targets are achieved across control and surround zones
There is also a stronger expectation that pedestrian crossing lighting is coordinated with AS4282, particularly where spill light may affect neighbouring properties.
In practice, compliance depends on correct luminaire selection, appropriate pole placement, suitable mounting heights and a clear understanding of how light distribution affects real-world visibility.
How I can help
This is where I can support councils, engineers and project teams working with the updated AS1158.4 requirements.
I can review existing pedestrian crossings to identify compliance risks and help determine whether current installations meet the updated glare, illuminance and optical control requirements. Where upgrades are required, I can assist with selecting compliant PX1 and PX2 pedestrian optics, ensuring luminaires are designed specifically for pedestrian crossings rather than adapted from general road lighting.
I also provide advice on pole placement, mounting heights and layout to achieve the required horizontal and vertical illuminance without introducing unnecessary glare. For legacy sites and staged upgrades, I can help apply the standard in a practical way that balances safety, compliance and constructability.
If you’re planning new pedestrian crossings, upgrading existing infrastructure or responding to safety or compliance concerns, understanding AS1158.4 properly is essential.
Need an AS1158.4 Assessment or Advice?
If you’re unsure whether your project meets the updated AS1158.4 standard, or if you’re already dealing with lighting concerns, I’m here to help.
You can request a Pedestrian Crossing Impact Assessment or book a free 15-minute consult.