Four sets of flashing, tactile markers have been installed at the corner of Swanston Street and Little Collins Street, one of the busiest intersections in Melbourne's CBD for foot traffic.

The markers are there for a one-year trial and it is hoped that they will reduce the number of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.

If results are positive, the illuminated markings will be installed at other busy intersections in the city.

A previous five-year trial at 10 sites in South Korea produced encouraging results. Injuries fell by 20 per cent and fatalities were cut by more than 40 per cent.

The tactile markings are synchronised with traffic signals to glow green or red, and to flash red when the signal is amber.

Luke Donnellan, the minister for roads, said 40 pedestrians died in Victoria last year, mostly while trying to cross the road. A further 500 pedestrians were seriously injured.

He said pedestrian distraction had been identified as a serious problem at this particular intersection.

"We're trying to get the attention of people who are reading their mobile phones or are otherwise occupied, walking on our footpaths and not being aware that the road is right in front of them," Mr Donnellan said.

The flashing lights will operate 24 hours a day.

"This is trying to focus on those incidences when people are reading their mobile phone, it's dark or towards the end of the day, this will light up," he said, "but during the day this will also flash, so you will see it out of the corner of your eye anyway."

TAC chief executive Jo Calafiore said each day in Victoria two pedestrians are hospitalised.

"We know we'll get two today and two tomorrow," Mr Calafiore said.

"We're actually very confident that these little one per centers that we're doing in road safety, they all add up over time, and they're part of our strategy for reducing road trauma by 20 per cent in this state."

He said there was potential to put the illuminated crossings at intersections with tram stops, given recent increases in injuries on and around trams.

The trial will cost about $120,000.