Laura Sharman 25 January 2016

Report: Rip out 80% of traffic lights

Councils have been urged to remove 80% of traffic lights, with a new report claiming this would improve road safety and boost the economy.

Research published by the Institute of Economic Affairs argues that every two-minute delay to a car journey equates to a loss of approximately £16bn every year.

Using case studies from across the world, the report says that 80% of Britain's traffic lights could be taken out and replaced with a shared spaces approach. It also found that when regulations are removed, drivers behaved with more consideration to other road users.

It found that in Ashford, road accidents had been reduced by 41% since the introduction of shared spaces, while Poynton had managed to reduce accident rates by 70% after it scrapped traffic lights, railings, signage and bollards.

Richard Wellings, head of transport at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: 'It's quite clear that traffic management has spread far beyond the locations where it might be justified, to the detriment of the economy, environment and road safety.

'The evidence of shared space schemes shows the transformational benefits of less regulated approach, whilst the removal of a high proportion of traffic lights would deliver substantial economic and social benefits.'

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner