Signal Switch Off – Rethinking Traffic Control

A fascinating look at the need for a rethink concerning traffic control in particular where and when traffic lights are used.

Video 1 – Roads unfit for people

Updated critique of traffic controls with proposals for change based on a trust in human nature rather than an obsession with controlling it.

Video 2 – Roads FiT for People

Portishead lights-off trial, which began on 14.9.09 and went permanent after journey times fell by over half with no loss of pedestrian safety

Possible points to discuss:

  • Our traffic control system has need been properly tested, it has just evolved
  • Traffic signals take away the need to think for both the motorist and pedestrian
  • The environmental impact i.e. emissions & pollution
  • The impact on local residents and the improved quality of life, i.e. a quieter environment, less pollution, less peak noise…
  • Concentrating on how a change in traffic control would affect young children, i.e. how do they learn to interact with motorists

    • Try as a classroom game. Create a cross roads, divide the children into the following groups

    Game 1

    Drivers
    Pedestrians
    Traffic signals – this group control the game

    Game 2

    Drivers
    Pedestrians

    Observe the differences.

    For further information see http://www.fitroads.com/ and for parents and teachers more about Martin Cassini (the creator of the videos) @ his forum http://amberlight.ning.com/

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    categories Road Safety | | datetime 14/10/2010 07:56