Why do the pedestrian crossings around me not stop the traffic in both directions?

Question

The roads near me that have 2/3 lanes of traffic going in each direction, and a pedestrian crossing across them, all have a waiting island in the middle because the lights on the two sides are not synchronised.

Why doesn't the crossing stop traffic in both directions at the same time - It must be safer for pedestrians this way?

Answer 1

No reason not to. There is often not enough time to cross anyway.

Answer 2

The island creates two separate roads and two crossings  therefore reducing the amount of traffic stoppage time that would be needed for crossing the road in one go.

Answer 3

I doubt that someone from the road safety authority will read your question here. You can do a good thing for someone if you write a letter explaining how it is dangerous and ask the traffic agency (or whatever is your local org) to adjust it accordingly.

Answer 4

2/3 lanes of traffic probably means we are looking at an A road.If the lights on  both carriageways were synchronised the flow of traffic would be severely disrupted. As you say there is an island between the two carriage ways and this is there to allow the less mobile of the community as well as mothers with prams and young toddlers, to rest between crossings.

The entry and exit points to the refuge will probably be staggered to prevent anyone trying to run across both carriageways in a straight line.

Answer 5

Some pedestrains will try to cross at the point where they should wait( red/amber or flashing amber for cars). If they stopped both carriageways, this would make it dangerous for pedestrains who choose to cross last minute, and  also for the elderly / slow walking... would be potentuatly leathal, too.

I find some pedestrians seem to have a death wish, or like to jay-walk. They dont look where they are going and follow like lemmings when the lights are clearly red for them and green for the traffic. But seeing as ive got a bike, i show inconciderate pedestrians complete contempt and ride around or through them.

Answer 6

To ease traffic congestion.

Answer 7

To ease traffic flow.