SignalTraffic Forums

YouTube · by **signal-in-the-box** on Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:49 pm

Why is it so common for british traffic lights to have sections added on for signage purposes?

image.jpg

Never seen them but in pictures from britain. Seems like a waste to me.
I know what they could use... they're called signs. :crazy:

by **coyttl** on Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:44 am

I thought those actually light up (like at night) for better visibility? :scratch:

by **SignalLab** on Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:58 am

they illuminate and they are the european one way sign

YouTube · by **signal-in-the-box** on Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:01 pm

SignalLab wrote:they illuminate and they are the european one way sign

Wouldn't it be cheaper to have an arrow lens and an actual one way sign? Then they also wouldn't have to put the extra housing section on each traffic light. And if, for example, both streets you can turn onto are one way in opposite directions, or one side was one way and the other wasnt, it wouldn't be confusing.
Those are the reasons I can think of not to do it like that; but is it a good system the way it is?

by **traffic-light-man** on Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:05 am

They are referred to as Box Signs, and they should be lit 24/7, even when the signals are not operating. They are used to ban turns, the most common ones probably being No U Turn and No Left/Right Turn (TSRGD Diagrams 612/613 & 614):

The examples shown up-thread aren't one way signs, they're mandatory turn signs to TSRGD Diagram 606 meaning that you must turn in the direction of the arrow. They're usually paired with green arrows showing the same thing, however sometimes full greens are used (mainly because green arrows in the UK denote priority - for example, if you must turn right, however you do not have priority, then the mandatory turn arrow and a green ball would be used).

It only becomes a one way sign when it is paired with this sign (Dia.607), however this combination is not allowed on traffic signals.

In the image below, there is a No Left Turn in operation. The right turn is also banned, but only for certain vehicles. In this instance two green arrows (straight and right) can't be used as they would imply a priority right turn which isn't the case. To show that right turning vehicles must still give way to oncoming traffic, they have used a green ball which is the correct practice.

The main signs used with traffic signals are:

No Left Turn
No Right Turn
Left Turn Only
Right Turn Only
Ahead Only
No Entry
No U Turn
Exemptions

Others can be authorised, such as buses only or cycles only, like these:

The lights above actually replaced these Mellors that appear all over the internet. They are in Warrington, UK not far from me.

I hope this helps :grin:

by **2070** on Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:26 am

traffic-light-man wrote:The main signs used with traffic signals are:

No Left Turn
No Right Turn
Left Turn Only
Right Turn Only
Ahead Only
No Entry
No U Turn
Exemptions

I hope this helps

No, Now it makes me want to get a few!! They look very cool.

by **notMUTCDcompliant** on Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:32 pm

traffic-light-man wrote:

Is this a new type? I've never seen any domed like that

And yes, I want a few too!

by **traffic-light-man** on Sun Mar 10, 2013 8:30 am

It's a relatively new design, yeah. They're about 4 years old now, IIRC.

It's the Telent-TSEU/Microsense 3G signal, I have 2 in my collection. It's all fiberglass making it light weight and uses Swarco Futur3LED aspects. I think the box signs are just frosted Futur3LED units, but I'm not certain as I've not seen one close up! I don't like the way extra units are bolted onto the side - I think they look sloppy.

by **thetrafficlightman** on Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:04 pm

I think the Micosense design is much better more bigger traffic signal than those 3g heads are just a very thin plastic design.

Website · by **Lostazhell** on Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:39 pm

I love the way those domed signal/signs look! :drool:

Phil, if you get access to these, buy in bulk! :yes:

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Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

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Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

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Re: Britain traffic light sections used as signs?

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