Traffic Nights

I heard this story on the radio yesterday but it looks like the only motoring site to pick up on it is Fifth Gear's. They've illustrated it with a picture of a Mercedes SLK - albeit at night, but there isn't a traffic light in sight - the picture I found is much better. Anyway, the story is saying that The Government is drawing up plans to switch traffic lights to just flashing amber at night on quiet roads in order to cut down on unnecessary waiting at red lights.

Good. It will save on fuel and driver frustration.

The AA bloke they interviewed said that the idea sounded good in principle but could have serious safety implications: "The idea that drunks and young drivers are going to get to the flashing lights after midnight and say 'after you' is nonsense."

A bit unfair on young people - the reckless ones, and the drunks, would be causing accidents anyway. Besides, some drunks are very placid and relaxed - over-friendly in fact.

I don't see any particular dangers here - I've heard of examples of traffic light failures and improved traffic flow resulting - drivers not having to wait so long but being extra cautious when pulling out. Here's an example from the car-unfriendly town of Oxford from just a couple of weeks ago. It comes with a typical Tory Councillor photo of the councillor standing next to whatever he or she is talking about.

While they are at it, let's also introduce the "Right Turn on Red" rule that most American States have adopted whereby it is permissible to go through a red light if turning right onto a main road providing nothing is coming past. Needless to say, I hope the powers to be would alter the rule for Britain to be "LEFT Turn on Red" or there may be a few nasty incidents - probably involving BMWs.

Of course, what I'm really hoping is that, after dark, the same rules will kick in for food "traffic light" labelling so I'll be able to eat all the crap I'm usually supposed to avoid...