Traffic Signals

MOVA traffic signal control is used at approximately 3000 junctions in the UK. The recently released MOVA M5 has a facility to exclude the use of the more distance ‘IN’ detectors (normally around 8 seconds journey time from the stop line) on some or all of the approaches, thus saving ducting and maintenance cost. Commonly known as ‘Compact MOVA’, it can only be used on low speed approaches (where the 85th percentile speed is less than 35mph). The performance of Compact MOVA has been found to be better than traditional Vehicle Actuation control, matching standard MOVA in saturated conditions. Studies have also shown that Compact MOVA can significantly reduce pedestrian delay at stand-alone signal controlled pedestrian crossings with negligible effect on vehicular delay when compared with Vehicle Actuation. Previous risk assessments and a limited safety study indicate that Compact MOVA is as least as safe as Vehicle Actuation. The research in this project, commissioned by the Department for Transport, is necessary to confirm, or otherwise, these findings, and give confidence in the advice given to Local Traffic Authorities. This report describes the study carried out at three stand-alone Puffin crossings and two junctions. The investigation includes conflict analysis and an assessment of pedestrian and driver behaviour.

This Review contains articles on a variety of topics relating to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). ITS United Kingdom publishes two reviews each year, with the support of its Members.

Designing Streets is the first policy statement in Scotland for street design and marks a change in the emphasis of guidance on street design towards place-making and away from a system focused upon the dominance of motor vehicles. It has been created to support the Scottish Government’s place-making agenda and is intended to sit alongside the 2001 planning policy document Designing Places, which sets out government aspirations for design and the role of the planning system in delivering these.

Launched in 1997, the UTMC programme was the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) main initiative for the development of a more open approach to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in urban areas. Since its launch, UTMC has helped local authorities achieve their goals by adopting an appropriate, but not over constraining, set of standards to allow users, suppliers and integrators of UTMC systems to plan and supply systems cost-effectively in an open market. This UTMC Survey, therefore, addresses the deployment of traffic management technologies across the UK. It also looks at plans for the future and issues which have arisen in migrating to UTMC technologies.

Sustainable travel initiatives have the potential to add real value to the next round of Local Transport Plans (LTP). This guide seeks to complement statutory LTP Guidance by providing support for developing a sustainable travel business case based on the latest evidence and good practice from around the country.

TRL was commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) to consider the effect of signal control strategies on casualties, particularly for pedestrians and to provide input into the decisions faced by practitioners in optimising the split between safety and delay. A literature review was undertaken to determine what research had been undertaken to date. Some instances of poor pedestrian behaviour were discussed by focus groups in order to gain insight into the underlying reasons. A total of 16 signal-controlled junctions and 6 mid-block crossings with different forms of signal control were selected as case studies. Details of the junction or crossing layout and signal timings were recorded. A four hour video survey was undertaken at each site and flow counts and extensive behavioural analysis undertaken. Alternative strategies were then tested and any changes in pedestrian behaviour evaluated. TRANSYT modelling was undertaken to investigate the trade-off between vehicle and pedestrian delay. One of the key objectives of the project was to provide advice to Local Highway Authorities regarding the application of signal control strategies. Given that the results from the work did not indicate any strong relationship between signal control strategy and safety, guidance will necessarily be based as much on common sense and experience as on specific safety issues. However, there is an implication that seeking to increase pedestrian compliance with the signals is desirable. Increasing compliance is likely to be achieved mainly by reducing pedestrian waiting times.

This Good Practice Guide contains Transport Scotland’s requirements for inclusive design in the construction, operation and maintenance of road infrastructure. Inclusive design is an approach which aims to create environments which can be used by everyone regardless of age or disability. The Guide provides practitioners with current international good practice and advice on providing for the needs of people with sensory, cognitive and physical impairments, within the road environment. Where the guidance and design standards presented conflict with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), this Good Practice Guide takes precedence. The Good Practice Guide is targeted at everyone who makes design and management decisions which affect the road network. This includes external consultants and contractors as well as Transport Scotland staff.

This leaflet describes Compact MOVA, its development and its application. It is aimed at engineers and traffic managers with a view to encouraging its wider use. MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) is a well-established traffic signal control strategy. MOVA is extremely effective at all types of isolated signal control junctions. It can also be applied effectively as ‘linked’ MOVA in small networks, especially signalised roundabouts.

The concept of a roundabout encompasses a wide range of junctions varying in size, complexity and traffic loading. When traffic signals are added, the number of design considerations increases enormously and no two signalised roundabouts will be identical. This Local Transport Note seeks to provide assistance to those involved in the design and operation of signalised roundabouts. This includes roundabouts to which signals have been added, as well as junctions designed as signalised roundabouts from the outset.

SCOOT1,2,3 (Split Cycle and Offset Optimisation Technique) is an adaptive method of controlling signal-controlled junctions and stand-alone crossings which responds automatically to traffic fluctuations. This leaflet describes the new facilities developed recently and provides general advice on how to operate UTC systems to help pedestrians. It should be read in conjunction with Traffic Advisory Leaflet (TAL) 5/05 Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-Controlled Junctions and Puffin Good Practice Guides.