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ALTERNATIVE OPERATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS DURING TIMES OF LOW TRAFFIC DENSITY

ALTERNATIVE DRIFTFORMER AV TRAFIKSIGNALER UNDER LAAGTRAFIK

At times when traffic density is low, traffic lights are often regarded as unnecessary and time wasting. The investigation began with a study of the literature to find what experiences had been gained in previous tests to turn off traffic lights at these times. Experiments were then made at four junctions in gavle and sundsvall. Traffic was observed before and after lights were turned off, variables studied being conflicts, delays, proportion of stopped cars, and speed. The results show that: (1) there was some increase in accident hazard; (2) delay per vehicle was cut by 5-16 seconds; (3) number of stops decreased, not only on primary but also on secondary route; (4) there was no appreciable change in speed. The material is however too small, and recommendations must also be based on earlier studies. Certain essential criteria must be satisfied. The conclusions drawn from this and previous studies are: (a) speed limit must be 50 km/h; (b) proportion of traffic from secondary route no greater than 25%; (c) during time lights are off, hourly traffic density on primary route must not normally exceed 500-700; (d) visibility must be at least good; (e) the crossing must not be perceived as large and difficult to apprehend. Each junction must be assessed individually.

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  • Corporate Authors:

    Svenska Kommunfoerbundet, Gatu-Och

    Hornsgatan 15
    Stockholm, sw  United States 
  • Publication Date: 1988

Language

  • Swedish

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00498195
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
  • ISBN: 91-7344-771-4
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM