Too Many Lights

I have often sat at the lights wondering why there are so many different sets of lights. Often, on the island to my right, stand two sets. Why does the highway authority put two sets of lights where one might do? Is there a law that says they must? Well, apparently not.

Approaching a junction controlled by traffic lights a driver must see two sets of lights. That is the basic requirement. One set of lights must be directly the other side of the stop line – this is known as the primary signal and is usually placed on the left side. Where to put the other set of lights? Well one may place the second set of lights on the right side – perhaps on an island. This light is known as the second primary light. On the other hand one may place the second set of lights on the other side of the junction – usually on the right side. This light is known as a secondary light. It is permitted to have this light before the junction where it is known as a closely associated secondary light. Nowhere have I found a document that says that one must a have one primary traffic light and one secondary light and one second primary light.

I am told that closely associated secondary lights, although not required in law, are erected to help drivers who fail to stop in behind the stop line. But surely not bringing a car to a halt before the stop line is a capital offence? I usually manage to stop so that I may see the stop line itself.

It is not worth taking them away but it cannot help but save money if the stop putting three sets of lights up where two will do.