TfL signal timings review: your views

Posted on January 26, 2023 by marcushowarth — Leave a comment

TL;DR; are you aware of any RTLs that seem unable to recognise cycles are waiting at a junction, please comment/contact us and include what3words locations so we can feed back to ensure TfL has accurate detail. They have asked for these before 1/2/23.

“Reviewing the timings of over 1,000 sets of traffic signals each year is a key deliverable for Network Performance that uses current sources of traffic data to refine existing traffic signal timings. As traffic patterns change on the network, undertaking detailed timing reviews of our signals will benefit pedestrians, bus passengers, cyclists and other road users. Road junctions are a key constraining factor on the effective operation of the road network, so maximising their performance is an important part of good network management.

The purpose of the signal timing review is to optimise the timings of the traffic signals to ensure they comply with current standards, to support the Healthy Streets approach, to ensure the signal operation can adapt to changes on the network that support local transport policies, to comply with our Network Management Duty (NMD) and deliver Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Vision and Values including being a Strong Green Heartbeat for London. Regular reviews ensure that performance is maintained under changing network conditions. In 2021/2022, we saved nearly 13,000 hours per day in total for bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclist as a result of timing reviews taking place at over 1,200 sites. In 2022/2023 we have continued undertaking focused timing reviews with the intention of ensuring the network operates safely and reliably to support: public transport, the top bus routes operating in London, improving air quality and key freight links for essential goods to be delivered.

There are several reasons for initiating a signal review and we are currently developing our programme for 2022-23. As part of this, key stakeholders are being contacted and I would welcome your nominations for next year’s programme. The more detail you can provide on any signals you feel require a timing review, the better we are able to target and address the problems. We particularly appreciate suggestions where you think we can make improvements to reduce delay for those travelling by bus, walking or cycling as this can help encourage active and sustainable journeys.”
TfL request of Highways LBS.