'Bouncy' pavement lets people charge phones with their footsteps

A new high-tech “bouncy” pavement which can charge mobile phones by turning footsteps into electricity has been unveiled in Telford.

The six-metre stretch of smart paving generates energy whenever people walk or run on it.

It then powers several charging points next to benches where people can plug in their mobile phones.

A solar-powered screen also displays the energy generated by commuters' footsteps between Telford Central train station and the town centre.

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The project is part of a £4 million scheme by Telford and Wrekin Council to invest in measures addressing climate change.

Many have welcomed the green-friendly initiative but others on social media have branded it an “expensive gimmick” and “waste of money” during a cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, council cabinet member for climate change, defended the new pavement and said it was a “fun” way to show how clean electricity can be generated.

She said: “We appreciate there's a lot going on in people’s lives right now, but it would be a huge step backwards if climate action drops off the radar - that's why awareness projects like this are so valuable.

Cllr Healy added: “Children are loving walking, running, and jumping on the new pavement and seeing how much energy they’ve generated.”

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The people-powered footpath was installed in October after being supplied by technology firm Pavegen.

The tech company has launched similar projects across the globe from Milan to Hong Kong and Dubai.

It works similarly to the kinetic dancefloor pop megastars Coldplay are using for their world tour where fans' movements help generate electricity for the concert.

Laurence Kemball-Cook, chief executive, and founder of Pavegen, said: “This installation with Telford is a great step towards making a key UK transport hub smarter and greener, whilst educating and engaging citizens with Telford’s commitment to building a better planet.

“We have been developing this technology to allow it to withstand the harshest winters and are excited for the people of Telford to try out generating energy from themselves.”