24/11/2023 - Interactive signs go live in Luton town centre

The Environment Agency and Luton Council have launched a pilot to keep people up to date with town centre green space developments and help them learn about flood risk in their local area. Hello Lamp Post allows people to have 2-way conversations via text with lamp posts, and railings in the town centre along with a floor sticker in the Mall. Anyone with a smartphone can scan a QR code or text the number on the sign to open up a text chat.

People can feedback what they feel about more green space and access to the River Lea such as Hat Gardens and further plans to improve the river corridor through the town centre. It will also encourage people to sign up to a flood warning service if they want to find out more about making their homes safe.

Cllr Javed Hussain portfolio holder responsible for strategic flood said, “It’s really exciting to be using this new technology and a new way to talk to people. Users will be able to find out what measures they can take to reduce their own flood risk in an informative and imaginative way as well as learn more about the opening up of the River Lea as part of Luton's Town Centre Masterplan.

“We want to make sure it’s a two way conversation though and we would like to find out what residents and visitors think of the work we’re doing in the town centre and we’d love to hear what people think about the wonderful little pocket park, Hat Gardens, which has been so popular over the summer."

Leanne Wilson, EA Flood Digital project manager, “We have successfully worked with Hello Lamp Post in other parts of England to share information on flood risk and allow people to share their thoughts, but this is the first time we have used this technology in multiple languages. We are delighted to be working with Luton Council to help people learn more about flood risk in their local area, be prepared and find out what people think of the local environment”.

Anyone with a mobile phone can scan the QR code or text the number on the sign to begin a conversation by text and they can do so in a number of languages. Talking with the interactive persona is free (besides normal SMS messaging rates) and it's simple and easy to use – there is no need to download any apps or fill out any registration forms. All the insights and sentiments gathered are completely anonymous.

To make sure you stay safe in the event of extreme weather, know how to sign up to flood alerts and warnings.