Forum Topic

New improved traffic lights A4/SCR

Can anyone tell me in what way they are better than the old lights? They seem to do exactly the same as the old ones in the same way ...

James Tickell ● 1929d7 Comments

I have noticed that sometimes - noticed this mostly at night so far - the A4 lights go red together, instead of the westbound having longer and letting people turn right into SCR. This makes the change seem quicker for me. I did wonder if the set up was sophisticated enough to identify potential right-hand turners.

Vivienne Cox ● 1929d

I use that junction a lot and tbh I cannot tell the difference. Maybe someone responsible for the changes could explain exactly what was done and why

Justin Stephenson ● 1929d

The main difference seems to be that the gap between the red lights for east-bound and west-bound traffic is longer than it used to be, in favour of west-bound traffic.

Colin Jordan ● 1928d

I do not think that it is a secret that what TfL have done is install an upgraded version of the SCOOT technology.So what is that? I hear you cry. SCOOT, or Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique, is one method of adaptive signal control where vehicles are detected as they approach a signalised junction well in advance of the stop line. This detection, from multiple junctions, is fed into a central system, which models the flow of traffic in the area. This intelligence is used to adapt the phasing of the traffic light signals in accordance with the flow of traffic, thus minimising unnecessary green phases and allowing the traffic to flow most efficiently. In this way connected traffic lights operate as a whole system to optimise the flow of traffic through an area.So that's OK then.

Cllr Sam Hearn ● 1928d

but it quite often leaves a long time for westbound traffic turning right up SCR when there are no cars turning right!

James Tickell ● 1923d

It all depends on the algorithm. That is what TfL were supposedly tweaking.

Cllr Sam Hearn ● 1923d

TfL are about as much use as a chocolate teapot.  Those of us who live close to the SCR/A4 junction have long known that the big problem is cars turning right specifically those turning right from SCR to A4 westbound.  Stand by the junction for an hour and you will see at least a couple of close calls because there is not enough time between the lights on SCR south going red and the lights on A4 west going green for all the cars backed up on the junction to safely go right.There appears to have been no change to the timing of those lights

Justin Stephenson ● 1921d