Over the course of the past decade or so I have noticed a trend while driving. I spend a lot of time at traffic lights. There seems to be a new one every few months at places that simply don’t need them.
New traffic lights are often implemented as a way to reduce congestion and increase safety. In the majority of cases this is probably true but in many cases, an additional traffic light only serves as a new source of “fine revenue” for the local government. When coupled with a camera system, the amount of revenue generated can be substantial over time.
Excessive traffic lights often have several negative effects that are not well considered.
Excessive traffic lights cost money that can be better utilized elsewhere. Each one of these little annoyances represents a cost that is ultimately passed on to the tax payer. A traffic study, light system, programming and control mechanism can quickly turn into a bundle of cash. It is not unheard of for the entire process of adding new lights to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, that’s before considering maintenance and continual electrical costs.
Excessive traffic lights cost more in fuel. An excellent article was written by the Telegraph that explains some of the hidden costs of waiting in traffic for a light to change. As the cost of fuel continues upward, the placement and timing of traffic lights will have a greater impact on dollars wasted in traffic.
Excessive traffic lights cause more wear and tear on a vehicle. Stop and go traffic wreaks havoc on an automobile. Virtually every moving part of the car is adversely affected by constant stopping and accelerating. There is a reason that “highway miles” are prominently listed when a used vehicle is sold.
Excessive traffic lights cost time. Like there are not enough things to get done in a day without spending more time sitting in front of a red light. Time spent in traffic is lost time.
Excessive traffic lights are frustrating as !#$%. Often what used to be a pleasant drive has turned into a game of jockeying for position at a traffic light. In some cases, another traffic light only serves to cause more accidents by promoting competition. No one likes to be stuck behind a traffic light that is only a few hundred feet away from the last one.
Of course it would be irresponsible to advocate removing every traffic light on the road. Many serve a necessary purpose in keeping the bad driver from making irrational decisions while driving. However, the reality is that the negative impacts of excessive or poorly timed systems are often higher than traffic planners consider.
In the end, traffic lights serve the same purpose that laws serve, to serve you. Just like laws, when one no longer serves the common interests of it’s people it’s time to reconsider it’s value.
Until next time, happy blogging.
Megadisclaimer: Take nothing at face value. Everything on this blog is for entertainment purposes. It won’t change the world, or even your opinion in most cases. If you believe everything that you read stop reading now!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
The new theme looks pretty cool!