Forest Hill Road/Colyton Road Roadworks

[Renata Hamvas]

Ahhh, still not sorted!

I have reported the problems again,

Renata

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi all, I've had a response back from TFL via council officers.

In summary:

1.Green Man: effectively, the green man may only be visible for 4 seconds but traffic is held until pedestrians are clear (up to 12 seconds) - this is the standard on new signal junctions. IMO not ideal, but as it's TFLs standard, my hands are tied over this.

2. audible signal is on order but not yet installed. It is not installed as standard at junctions (as opposed to stand alone crossings), it was requested by Council Officers as it's not standard, so this is why it's coming in later.

3. the near-side green man is the current standard design. It has at times been controversial and takes some getting used to but it is thought to be safer.

4. this will vary during the day as the signals are demand responsive.

5.The above ground detectors that have been installed to detect vehicles on all approaches have an operational range of up to 60m. Their alignment was checked during the commissioning and all of these devices were detecting vehicles on all approaches well before the advanced cycle stop lines for cyclists.

Actual response from TFL:

1. The timings currently employed at this site are in accordance with the latest Transport for London (TfL) standards. The invitation to cross period, as indicated by the green man, appears for 4 seconds. This allows pedestrians to establish themselves on the crossing. Once this period has expired, there are detectors in place which will hold the traffic light to vehicles on red until the crossing point is clear of pedestrians or until a maximum time is reached. The total time allowed for pedestrians to cross the road is 12 seconds, this is the same amount of time as prior to the modification work. However, if members of the public are concerned then we can obviously look at amending the timings to give pedestrians more time if you feel it would be beneficial.

2. Incorporating an audible signal for pedestrians is assessed on a site by site basis and is not necessarily done as standard as it has the potential to be extremely dangerous. However, at your request an audible signal will be installed. However, you were advised that this would not be done so in time for the commissioning. The additional parts required have been ordered and once the installation company have received them a time and date will be arranged for this work to be completed.

3. The nearside pedestrian signal was requested by the Borough. It is positioned so that when waiting pedestrians are looking at oncoming traffic the pedestrian signal is clearly visible. It also helps to remove any confusion/indecision as when far sided pedestrian signals are used, there is a potential that those crossing the road may be tempted to change their mind when the signal changes. In this situation, as soon as a pedestrian steps in to the carriageway they no longer see a signal and so will keep crossing until they reach the other side.

4. The traffic signals are demand dependant so how these lights operate depends upon the demands that are present and when the demands are made.

Renata