Bristol conducts traffic light switch-off trial

Traffic Light are being switched off at two junctions in Bristol to see what impact it has on traffic flow and pedestrian perceptions of safety.

Signals were switched off last week at the busy pedestrian thoroughfare of Union Street in the city centre’s Broadmead area. A further set will be switched off  next week at the Marsh Street/Prince Street/Broad Quay junction near Harbourside.

“We’ve carefully assessed these sites for safety before switch-off,” said Jon Rogers, Bristol’s cabinet member for transport and sustainability. “Many motorists do not understand why we need traffic lights at some junctions. Some commentators agree. They think people in cars can learn to be as good-mannered as they are on foot – letting people cross and pull out without the need for controls.”

The switch-off represents a victory for The Bristol Evening Post which been running a ‘Put that light out’ campaign.

Consultant Colin Buchanan is assisting with the trial. It has championed switching off traffic lights and helped North Somerset Council with its trial.