Wednesday 30 July 2008

Safer with automated traffic signals?

Approaching traffic signals, the first question you probably ask yourself is, Have I got a green, red or amber light? If it's green or amber, the second question is likely to be, Can I reach it in time? the third, Am I within the speed limit? the fourth, Is anyone in my way? If the light starts to change back to red, the fifth and sixth questions might be, Can I stop in time, and Shall I keep going? Add to that the inner conflict created by the wish to avoid another hold-up, so a seventh question might be, Can I make it over in time? Then, if there is no conflicting traffic, in which case, objectively, it would be safe to go, you might start looking out for cameras ... By contrast, FiT Roads (which advocates freedom to Filter in Turn) involves one simple question: Is it my turn to go? Which is more conducive to road safety?

Thursday 17 July 2008

Targets and red tape

The Home Secretary has announced the scrapping of targets to free the police from red tape so they can concentrate on their job of solving crime. An apt metaphor for the roads? When will we be free of intrusive controls so we can concentrate on our job - watching the road and getting from A-B safely and expeditiously?