I read that the city of Raleigh is testing LED lighting in its parking decks. Then I suffered through a long stop-and-go morning commute down Capital Boulevard. I was about to suggest that if the city really wanted to go green, it would spend that money instead on synchronizing traffic lights. That would cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from idling traffic and make everyone’s life easier.
Then I drove home from work and sailed up Capital Boulevard, having only one red light out of dozens!
That almost never happens. I had to laugh when my commute undercut my argument.
I was about to suggest that if the city really wanted to go green, it would spend that money instead on synchronizing traffic lights. That would cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from idling traffic and make everyone’s life easier.
This has always been a pet peeve of mine. Cities complain about ozone and other pollution caused by cars (especially in the summer months), but they do little if anything to improve traffic flow. Synchronizing traffic lights would be a big help. So would removing automatic turn signals (i.e., the turn lane gets a green light when no one is in that lane). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the more traffic has to stop, the worse the pollution will be.
Flashing red left turn light to allow a left turn when traffic permits and right turn lanes, right turn lanes, right turn lanes!!!!