Shanghai pilots lamp poles with emergency buttons, Wi-fi

Staff shows the electric car charging function of a lamp pole at Dagu Road, Shanghai on Oct.26, 2015. (Photo/Shanghai Morning Post)

(ECNS) -- A total of 15 intelligent lamp poles were put into use along Dagu Road in Shanghai on Monday as local government exploits curb-side devices.

Measuring 8 meters in height, each pole is built with a button for emergency calls. Each is equipped with Wi-fi signals, PM2.5 monitors, street monitoring cameras as well as charging facilities for electric cars.

The poles are connected to a management center where staff can locate the caller based on the location information.

According to the city management authority, each of the lamp poles costs 40,000 yuan ($6300).

The authority is considering setting up more intelligent lamp poles on business areas like Nanjing Road and the Bund.