This paper explains the process of installing state of the art traffic signals at two simple t-junctions in the village of Bridge of Weir, the less than satisfactory outcome and the steps the Council took to resolve congestion problems. The town of Bridge of Weir lies to the west of Paisley in Renfrewshire and has a population of 4,670. It is mostly affluent with high car ownership and lies on a commuting route between Inverclyde and Glasgow. An action plan for the town identified the need for pedestrian advantage which included the provision of two traffic signal installations. Renfrewshire Councils Local Transport Strategy identifies road safety and pedestrian facilities as the key transport issues in Bridge of Weir. To help achieve the aim of enhancing the village centre an action plan was proposed for the Main Street bisecting the village involving speed reduction measures and traffic signals with pedestrian facilities. Consultants were tasked with assisting the Council with designing and modelling work associated with two linked traffic signal installations, intended to address a particularly difficult pedestrian crossing problem and assist traffic emerging from side roads onto the main road through the village. This paper will discuss in detail the reasons for the poor performance of the traffic signals following implementation, how the technical problems were resolved, explaining why the initial design ‘got it wrong’ and discuss the consequent reactions of the community. The author emphasizes that it is difficult to quantify the poor performance, however the statement is based on the reaction of the local community and the number of complaints. It is also worth noting that it is unusual to receive votes of thanks for projects which have been successful and hence supporters of the scheme tend to remain silent. (Author/publisher)
Abstract