New traffic lights system to be trialled

In parts of Europe, traffic lights are left on amber in the late hours of the evening or early morning. Drivers are then able to decide whether to stop or not; it works well in most places as it has been in force for many years. Here in the UK, Portsmouth City Council have also decided to do a trial - they will need to apply for permission from the Department of Transport first but if they get approval it will be the first in this country.
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Traffic light rules when amber*
In the UK when the light flashes amber, you must slow down as it indicates that the red light will be on next indicating all motorists to stop. If you are travelling at a high speed and are unable to stop, then it is fine to continue as long as you are not crossing through red traffic lights. This law has been in force for many years but in countries abroad, there are places where some lights are always amber so you choose if you need to stop or not.

Unfortunately for the UK, we are highly known for our inability to follow the rules when it comes to driving; so if this trial was to go ahead there is little chance for success. In Spain and France, traffic lights are usually flashing amber in most parts, usually in the dead of night and since the launch of it accidents have been said to have been reduced.

A senior traffic systems engineer in Portsmouth was the one to approach the council with this idea because there were too many complaints regarding motorists who have to stop at 2-3am at traffic lights when it was clear that there were no cars on the road at that time.

Most people are opposing this new trial as it could make roads dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians as vehicles may not stop as they would not be obliged to anymore. The times that this amber lights system may be implemented will vary depending on how busy the roads are but it will be between 11pm – 3am so it's not sure how this will reduce traffic as not many people are out on the roads at this time anyway.

Although it will only cost the council £500 to implement, it may cost the country more if accidents increase as more police officers will be needed to patrol the area and more police time is spent doing paperwork relating to these accidents.