Does the UK make use of smart traffic signals? fjw14?

Question

Does the UK make use of smart traffic signals? fjw14?

Answer 1

Yes they do sense the length of queues. You will see black loops on the road surface. This gives the control box a rough idea of how much traffic is waiting, depending on its programming it will then change quicker or make that direction next in sequence

Answer 2

If you mean traffic lights that adjust their sequencing according to the traffic flow, then yes, usually.

A complete new set has just been installed near here, and they had tremendous trouble with the buried induction loops for a few days, leading to long holdups and guys with their computers plugged in and scratching their heads.  Working well now, adjusting nicely to the rush hour.

Answer 3

I like 'James Mays' answer.

Just think how cool it would be if we did have temporally controlled traffic signals! You pull up to the end of the queue, the temporal lights ensure that, no matter how long you are stopped for, it's still the same time once you clear the queue.

Am downloading the patent forms right now....

Answer 4

yes,

we have pedestrian sensors on pelican crossings, we have temporally traffic light controlled rounderbouts.

But i assume you mean lights that sense the length of a queue?

I'm not so sure on that

Answer 5

Some are yes, you can see the sensors under the road as you approach the lights. They also calculate how long the queue is.

Answer 6

I heard the ones that tell you to slow down/say thank you if you're doing under the speed limit cost 100k each!

I think there are other ways of dealing with speeding like speed bumps where drivers are most likely to speed... then the money could be used on better things.