Traffic Signals
'
Fact Sheet
Traffic Signals
Traffic signal displays
Logan City Council controls more than 2000 km of
road, including over 100 sets of traffic signal controlled
intersections. Traffic signals improve intersection and
pedestrian safety while controlling the flow of traffic.
The length of time for green traffic signals depends on
traffic conditions, and should always appear for a minimal
timed period. On most major roads with a speed limit up to
60km/h the yellow or amber light is displayed for a few
seconds. For higher speed roads, more time is provided
for the yellow or amber light.
Council Controlled Traffic Signals
Traffic signals help Council to improve on pedestrian,
cyclist and driver safety at busy intersections.
Traffic signals facilitate pedestrian and cycle movements,
reduce turning conflicts and facilitate through and turning
traffic flows at intersections that carry considerable
numbers of vehicles and pedestrians. Council's
intersections upgrade program, prioritises intersection
treatments including the installation of traffic signals each
year.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads controls
traffic signals on all declared roads.
How do traffic signals work?
Traffic signals are controlled by a local computer at each
intersection, and are also able to be remotely accessed by
traffic engineering personal. Sensors in the road, detect
vehicles when they pass, and either change the light to
green, or extend the green light time for that approach.
To accomplish this, the lights may be co-ordinated or
linked. At busy times improved traffic flows can be
achieved through synchronisation of traffic signals. Not all
lights are linked and work in a stand alone mode.
How long will I have to wait at a set of
traffic signals?
The busiest road approach is usually given the highest
priority when two major roads intersect. Time varies for
each location, but can be up to two minutes if you arrived
as the last cycle started.
An 'all red' period then applies on all approaches following
the yellow light to allow any vehicle to clear the intersection
before conflicting traffic movements begin. This 'all red'
time depends on the size of the intersection, as larger
intersections require longer clearance time. Traffic is not
permitted to cross the stop line when the red traffic signal is
displayed and are required to stop on yellow or amber light
if it is safe to do so.
Vehicle and bicycle detection at traffic
signals
Vehicles are detected by traffic signals in two ways.
Looped detectors buried in each of the traffic lane
approaches are the most common method used. Looped
detectors sense when a large metallic object, such as a car
engine, passes over them. In special circumstances other
types of detectors such as push-buttons may be
considered.
Some motorcycles and bicycles can be detected by loops
at some intersections. Loop detectors have adjustable
sensitivity to detect smaller vehicles, including bicycles.
The loop relies on iron-based metals to trigger the lights, so
if your bicycle is made of carbon-fibre, fibreglass, plastic or
aluminium composites it may not be detected.
Traffic Signals
Fact Sheet
Pedestrian walk / don’t walk symbols
The green man/red man are used to signal that it is lawful
to commence crossing the road, after ensuring it is safe to
do so.
The green walk symbol is intended to notify pedestrians it
is lawful to commence crossing the road, after checking it is
safe to do so. A common misconception is that people
have to get all the way across the road while the walk
signal is on.
The flashing red 'don’t walk' symbol allows enough time for
pedestrians to complete their crossing. Additional
pedestrians should not commence crossing the road when
the 'don’t walk' symbol is flashing or steady as it is unlawful
to do so.
Motorists are required by law to give way to pedestrians on
traffic signal crossings at all times. Drivers and pedestrians
should always be alert and never assume other road users
have seen them.
Refer to the road rules or Queensland Transport's Your
Keys to Driving in Queensland for more information.
Reporting faults or problems
Common traffic signal faults include faulty lanterns or
lamps, loop detector failures, pedestrian button failure and
entire signals flashing amber.
These can be reported directly to Council on (07) 3412
3412, so we can arrange for the problem to be dealt with as
soon as possible.
Some traffic signals are controlled by Transport and Main
Roads, and we can pass the fault details to them on your
behalf.
When you report the problem, please provide as much
information as possible. Be precise about the location of
the traffic signal (intersection details) and include the
direction of the traffic and the direction the light is facing.
Other concerns such as requests for traffic signal
modifications or changes to timing do not have the same
urgency and may take some time to investigate and action
if required.
U-Turns at Traffic signals
U-turns at traffic signals are not permitted unless allowed
by signage 'U-Turn Permitted'. Council engineers assess
whether u-turns can be permitted based on an assessment
of safety, including road width, visibility, the number of oncoming traffic lanes, and the volume of traffic. Council
does not install 'No U-Turn' signs at lights, as the ban on Uturns at lights is a common road rule throughout Australia.
Can there ever be green lights at the
same time for two conflicting traffic
movements?
No. It is not possible for two conflicting approaches to be
green at the same time. Traffic signals are designed to
automatically switch off within 100 milliseconds if this
occurs.
What happens when the traffic signals
are flashing yellow? Who gives way to
who?
A flashing yellow traffic signal means the signals have a
fault. If you face a flashing amber or yellow traffic signal or
arrow, you may drive past it applying give way rules and
caution to avoid a collision with other vehicles or
pedestrians.
For more information
Phone 3412 3412
Visit www.logan.qld.gov.au
Email [email protected]
Th