Frequently asked questions: Traffic management and road safety

Traffic management and road safety questions

• Question: Why are alterations made to the highway when there does not seem to be a problem?

• Question: Why are traffic signals installed?

  Answer:

  Traffic signals are installed for a number of different reasons including:

  • To allow the opportunity for minor roads with apparent flows to enter or cross heavy main roads.
  • A requirement for controlled pedestrian or cycle crossing facilities.
  • To control and assist safe traffic movements where visibility is restricted.
  • To reduce traffic related casualties at a site.
  • To accommodate a change/increase in traffic associated with an adjacent development.
    

• Question: Why do I sit waiting at a red signal when there are no opposing vehicles?

• Question: I have seen traffic signals with right turn arrows that never seem to appear. Why is this?

• Question: At pedestrian crossings why does the ‘green man’ time seem so short?