A pedestrian crossing in the centre of Abingdon has been modified because the warning sound it makes, to say it is safe to cross, is identical to the sound made when the nearby pub’s security alarm is activated.

And so it has become Abingdon’s first talking crossing. Not only does it say “It is safe to cross” in most European and Asian languages, I have also heard it say, “Take extra care! You have had too much to drink!” and “”Did you know your shoe lace is undone?“.