Sir, - Is there anything more frustrating for motorists in a line of slow moving traffic than waiting for a pedestrian light to change when there is no one crossing? These are not the standard push button type that operate when activated.
The ones I have in mind are those that are part of more complex traffic lights systems that incorporate time for people to cross as part of that system. These operate continuously, even when there is no one crossing, and usually involve a left or right hand filter light.
In Germany they do it differently. At intersections traffic is allowed to flow until a green flashing light is activated by a pedestrian. The cars then stop and will restart when the flashing light reverts to constant green.
On a somewhat similar matter, we have the ludicrous situation where right turning traffic is held up awaiting a green filter light when no traffic is coming from the opposite direction. Many people ignore these red stop signs for turning right. However, they are breaking the law, though one can understand their reason for doing so. Would it not make better sense to let traffic travelling straight and right to have the same green light and introduce the right turning filter later in the sequence? Yours etc.,
Hazelbrook Rd. Dublin 6.