This paper reports a study carried out in the city of London, England, todetermine whether traffic signals could be removed from certain junctions. An initial study concluded that benefits and disadvantages of traffic signals depend on traffic volume and composition, vehicle occupancy, pedestrian volume and time of day. This study used actual traffic flows at five junctions, evaluated using an assessment framework to consider the requirement for traffic signals and to determine alternative methods of traffic control. In micro-simulation modelling two scenarios were compared: current operation with minor timing adjustments, and removal of traffic signals. Delay data were converted to financial values. Results showed considerable variation: at night time savings were produced by removing signals, but insome cases removal means the junction could not handle the volume of traffic during daytime. Any pedestrian-actuated signals could negate benefits.There was no clear result on road safety. Overall it was demonstrated that traffic signals produced significant benefits.
Abstract