08-13-2008, 03:46 AM
Just a thought about the traffic island/traffic signal controversy. I come from England, where traffic islands have been in place for as long as I've been driving (more than 50 years) and I find them to be superior to traffic signals in most instances in promoting smooth traffic flow.
There are some instances, for example at on/off ramps to the motorways, where access to the traffic island or 'roundabout' as they are called in the UK is controlled by traffic signals at each intersecting road. This works very well in high traffic situations such as access to Heathrow Airport, etc.
Some places combine traffic signals with roundabouts and turn the signals on only when traffic backs up on the roundabout, such as a tailback from a traffic accident.
Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in California in newly developed areas, such as controlling traffic flow into and out of shopping precincts, etc. They are less costly overall, requiring no energy expenditure or maintenance, unlike traffic signals, and it takes a very short time period to become accustomed to their use.
There are some instances, for example at on/off ramps to the motorways, where access to the traffic island or 'roundabout' as they are called in the UK is controlled by traffic signals at each intersecting road. This works very well in high traffic situations such as access to Heathrow Airport, etc.
Some places combine traffic signals with roundabouts and turn the signals on only when traffic backs up on the roundabout, such as a tailback from a traffic accident.
Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in California in newly developed areas, such as controlling traffic flow into and out of shopping precincts, etc. They are less costly overall, requiring no energy expenditure or maintenance, unlike traffic signals, and it takes a very short time period to become accustomed to their use.