Going green.....with traffic lights...?

Question

With all this hype going on about being green, wouldnt

better technological traffic lights that senses traffic flow

to keep lights green longer when theres no traffic in the other

direction be a good step foward?

50 cars idleing has got to burn up some gas in 5 minutes.

Do you think this would be a noticable savings?

Answer 1

I think most traffic lights are supposed to work that way... but most always seem to be against me, especially if I am running late!!!

In Germany, in some towns, it is now the law that you have to turn your engine off if you are waiting at traffic lights. Should try that here.

Answer 2

Any city with an intelligent traffic & planning department should be timing their lights in a way that keeps traffic flowing steady and causes the fewest idling cars as possible.  You're right--this should be a major priority, particularly if they want to put a dent in air pollution.  

The savings in gas would add up too.

Answer 3

Lights wiht sensors are common, especialy when no so busy roads meet busy roads.  But lights that are timed to each other to keep ttraffic moving are not common.  They would make a big diference on busy roads.  Here it is so bad traffic moves faster when the power goes out and all of the streetlights flash.

Answer 4

i dont like the idea of this and 2 tell u i am only 13 and i can drive

get it up ur ***

Answer 5

They have had them for a long time, mostly at large intersections and roadways.

You will notice a circle or diamond cut at the intersection, under those cuts is a wire that detects the disturbance of a large metallic mass on the electric field.  On the side of the intersection you will see a large metal box containing the computer, switches and relays to make it all work.  

The computer  can be linked to other intersection to control the traffic flow.

The new signal lights are now LED, saving more energy.

Answer 6

Maybe someday every car will be tracked by GPS, and signals will be sent like the way railroad signals are now.

There are some 'self driving cars" being developed, and such a system would have to be in place before people can give up driving and let the car drive itself.

Answer 7

huh? we have had sensor-controlled lights for decades in the u.k.

they make a bit of difference, but really, the big savings will be from improved efficiency, improved public transport, and rearranging out towns so we dont have to drive so much.

Answer 8

yes...also I was thinking about lighting, couldn't motorway & streetlighting be done on some sort of sensor system too?