The only time traffic moves properly is when traffic lights are broken.
That is the unavoidable conclusion I have come to in the wake of the frankly catastrophic “improvements” at the Claypotts junction in Dundee.
For those not in the know, it’s a bit like this:
On Dundee’s Arbroath Road (which is really rather busy) there is a big muckle junction. It links Broughty Ferry with the main road into Dundee, along with routes to the Douglas part of town, Arbroath (as the name of the road so cunningly suggests) and the Sainsbury’s store.
There are, on the main carriageway, two set of lights, approximately 100 yards apart.Post by TheCourier.co.uk.When one set of lights goes green, the sequence should be such that the next set also change, thus allowing traffic to flow freely.
At least that’s my understanding, albeit rudimentary.
That’s certainly the way it worked up until a couple of weeks ago.See also:Claypotts junction lights sequencing changed at drivers’ request, says councilSome pretty major roadworks were undertaken. It was frustrating. But the good news was traffic would flow far more quickly as a result. Surely.
So when the road reopened I am not too proud to admit I was excited.
That joyful anticipation, however, turned to ashes in my mouth (I appreciate that may be a mixed metaphor too far) as I realised the sequencing was, not to put too fine a point on it, a downright shambles.
The result is that the build-up of traffic particularly at peak times is worse than at any time in (my) living memory.
Which is why I say, ditch the lights. Bring back the circle.
The campaign starts (and quite possibly ends) here.