Traffic light query - not very interesting.

fluffnutter

The lights have recently been changed at a pedestrian crossing near me (the usual ones where you push a button, wait a bit, then the little green man appears and beeps at you).

I always understood that these lights went green, amber, red, flashing amber (at which point you could begin driving as long as everyone had finished crossing) then green again.

The new lights go green, amber, red, red and amber together then green again like at a crossroads. I assume this means that you can only go on green. But anyone know why they've changed?

Sandoval

You're right, that isn't very interesting.

fluffnutter

I know. Sorry. I almost nodded off myself whilst writing it.

Sandoval

fluffnutter wrote: »

I know. Sorry. I almost nodded off myself whilst writing it.

This made me chuckle though...

BillTrac

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..what?

flyingscotno1

fluffnutter wrote: »

The lights have recently been changed at a pedestrian crossing near me (the usual ones where you push a button, wait a bit, then the little green man appears and beeps at you).

I always understood that these lights went green, amber, red, flashing amber (at which point you could begin driving as long as everyone had finished crossing) then green again.

The new lights go green, amber, red, red and amber together then green again like at a crossroads. I assume this means that you can only go on green. But anyone know why they've changed?

Basically it has converted from a Pelican to a Puffin Crossing. (Possibly a toucan too).

The theory is that a number of accidents happen in flashing amber (indeed I was nearly run over by a car once which drove off in the inside as I was jogging across the outside lane), and that the new puffin crossings use detectors and have a red light time that adjustable from them for grannies and joggers to reduce the delay. They also won't go off if someone presses button and runs off and have the red and green man on the pole next to the button as it is easier to see and safer. That is the theory, but in my observations they don't work as well, detectors are unreliable, nearside red and green man confuses people and isn't as useful and delay increases. I don't really see the point the only benefit was cancelling it if people push button and cross before the green man...

If you are interested, and why would you unless you work in the field or want to pass a theory test- http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Transport+and+streets/Road+safety/Pedestrian+Crossings.htm

fluffnutter

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

Basically it has converted from a Pelican to a Puffin Crossing. (Possibly a toucan too).

The theory is that a number of accidents happen in flashing amber (indeed I was nearly run over by a car once which drove off in the inside as I was jogging across the outside lane), and that the new puffin crossings use detectors and have a red light time that adjustable from them for grannies and joggers to reduce the delay. They also won't go off if someone presses button and runs off and have the red and green man on the pole next to the button as it is easier to see and safer. That is the theory, but in my observations they don't work as well, detectors are unreliable, nearside red and green man confuses people and isn't as useful and delay increases. I don't really see the point the only benefit was cancelling it if people push button and cross before the green man...

If you are interested, and why would you unless you work in the field or want to pass a theory test- http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Transport+and+streets/Road+safety/Pedestrian+Crossings.htm

Thanks! Someone found it interesting... I assume you've passed your theory so... either you work in the field or you're a pedestrian crossing geek?

I know it's a pretty dull question but whenever something changes, I like to know why. :cool:

Strider590

^^ Im expecting Pingu to make an appearance :rotfl:




The basic's of it are simple:

Red light = Stop
Green = Go
Amber light = Free for all (with extra points for old people)

moonrakerz

Strider590 wrote: »

^^ Im expecting Pingu to make an appearance :rotfl:

The basic's of it are simple:

Red light = Stop
Green = Go
Amber light = Free for all (with extra points for old people)

Green = Go - if safe to do so !

flyingscotno1

fluffnutter wrote: »

Thanks! Someone found it interesting... I assume you've passed your theory so... either you work in the field or you're a pedestrian crossing geek?

I know it's a pretty dull question but whenever something changes, I like to know why. :cool:

Yep- transport engineer. Have proposed a some crossings in my time thus I know a wee bit about them.

Harry_Flashman

moonrakerz wrote: »

Green = Go - if safe to do so !

Nah - Strider's is better (and more accurate )