Traffic signal control uses time to separate conflicting traffic flows. The term "traffic" includes all road users: motorists, cyclists, pedestrians (including those who are more vulnerable, i.e. those in wheelchairs, the more elderly etc.) and equestrians. TD50/04, "The Geometric Layout of Signal-Controlled Junctions and Signalised Roundabouts", states that, at a traffic signal installation, "where a pedestrian need is established then appropriate signal controlled facilities should be provided". The "need" can be the result of local measured pedestrian/vehicular volumes, or accident data. However, it could be: part of a plan to encourage walking and/or cycling, part of the local plan, or other local strategy - see Traffic Advisory Leaflet (TAL) 5/03, Walking Bibliography for further information. When a traffic signal installation is being designed, or modified, the extent of traffic usage must be determined and specific measures included unless site considerations warrant their exclusion. No specific details have been included on facilities for cyclists or equestrians. Information is available in TAL's 4/98 Toucan Crossing Development and 3/03 Equestrian Crossings. Crossings are generally provided as amenities to give access and easier movement. They may be provided specifically to improve an otherwise poor accident record. TA84/01, "The Code of Practice for Traffic Control and Information Systems", is recommended to designers so that safety aspects are fully considered and documented. However, the provision of specific facilities for pedestrians will not necessarily lead to a safer place for them to cross. There are a number of ways to provide facilities and this leaflet describes the main options. The designer has to consider the pedestrian flow patterns, degree of saturation and the topographical layout to decide on which option is best suited to a particular site. In addition to deciding on a crossing type, the designer needs to choose between farside and nearside signalling for pedestrians. In general terms, it is anticipated that nearside signalling will become the standard form but there may be situations where farside signalling may be necessary. However, consistency is important. A move to nearside signalling should be part of a plan to convert other signalcontrolled facilities in the vicinity. This part of the leaflet should be read in conjunction with Parts 2, 3 and 4. Some of the advice for stand-alone pedestrian crossings in Local Transport Note (LTN) 2/95, "The Design of Pedestrian Crossings", is relevant to signal-controlled junctions. In addition, there are common references in TD50/041. For brevity the advice is not repeated here. There is also useful information in TAL's 1/01 Puffin Pedestrian Crossing, 1/02 The Installation of Puffin Pedestrian Crossings and 2/03 Signal-control at Junctions on High-speed Roads. (Author/publisher). This Leaflet is in four parts. For Parts 2, 3 and 4 see http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_road…, http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_road… and http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_road…
Abstract