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Stops and goes of traffic signals

This booklet describes how the safety and/or effectiveness of traffic signals could be improved. It draws attention to those elements of traffic signals that auditors have frequently found to compromise safety and/or efficiency.

Stops and goes of traffic signals

A traffic signal auditor's perspective


Table of contents

  1. Preface
  2. Introduction
  3. Spedialised tasks
    • 3.1 Traffic signal peer reviews
    • 3.2 Intersection control
    • 3.3 Contact details
  4. Crashes at traffic signals
    • 4.1 Factors contributing to right-turn-against crashes
    • 4.2 Factors contributing to red light running
    • 4.3 Observations on cyclist crashes
    • 4.4 Observations on pedestrian crashes
  5. Intersection and lane layout
    • 5.1 Opposed right turn lanes
    • 5.2 Captive turn lanes
    • 5.3 Slip lanes
  6. Signal post and display location
    • 6.1 Post placement and signal conspicuity
    • 6.2 Sufficient stopping and manoeuvring displays
  7. Phasing and operational issues
    • 7.1 Right turn and left turn arrow operation
    • 7.2 Turn arrow logic
  8. Pedestrian issues
    • 8.1 Pedestrian phase issues
    • 8.2 Push button location
  9. Cyclist issues
    • 9.1 Provision for cyclists
  10. Conclusions
  11. Acknowledgements
  12. References