Could we do without traffic lights?

[d9f1c7]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18072259
OK no doubt there are junctions where we could but there are also junctions that would never move without them. Your thoughts please....

[askyourgran]

I think there will be a lot of squashed grannies.

[Nibble]

An interesting point is that in the Netherlands all traffic lights are routinely switched to a flashing amber light, including at motorway junctions every night from midnight until 0530, which causes few accidents, and encourages drivers to slow down to check oncoming & crossing traffic.

IMO, should have been the law here for the last decade, or would the insurance industry have kittens as to who had the "right-of-way" issue, I know it's had issues with roundabouts/unmarked junctions etc. However, this would be solved by give way to oncoming traffic from the right.

[baza]

lights are needed at busy junctions/times imo, however what is the motive for ruining a perfectly good junction with a pile of white paint and calling it a miniroundabout. We have three in our village and they cause more accidents, still it does keep the garages in work.

[TWR]

This should answer your Question, does anyone remember the Electricity strike many years ago? London was a nightmare. flashing amber is a good Idea.

[emmie]

TWR, yes i do, sitting in the office trying to work by candle light.
What about the damn pedestrians, why has no one worked out what happens if you can't cross the road safely. Squashed grannies won't be the half of it. The first person killed on the road where there are no traffic lights will cause a furore.

[jno]

the article linked to is pretty clearly talking about traffic lights, not ones for pedestrians.

[TWR]

Here we go Em??

[andrewdoluis123]

We rely on traffic lights to tell us when to go. And when to stop.We should replace that with common sense, argues traffic campaigner Martin Cassini.We would be more on guard for the interactions that really matter.

[TWR]

Common Sense, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, bloody comon sense, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

[bookbinder]

This has already been considered in Drachten:
http://www.telegraph....r-traffic-lights.html

[pdq1]

I am at a loss sometimes to stop at one traffic light after another when all thats required is a computerised traffic system that would turn them green when approaching at a steady speed. They operate this way in Marylebone road in London and have done so for many years.

[TWR]

Some have sensors on the top of them Pdq, like the ones on road works, if you flash your lights the sensor picked up the signal & they do change providing the road is quiet.

[Traci66]

A lot of the traffic lights were I live are operated by pressure pads in the ground, so if there is nothing approaching from another direction the lights stay green.