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FOREWORD
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TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL is by far the most common type of control at heavily
trafficked intersections in urban areas, and in the central areas of large towns
d; o2€>11SJ delays at traffic signals can account for as much as a third of the total journey
time. A great deal of research has been carried out to help the engineer in design­
ing suitable traffic-signal schemes and in setting signals to minimize delays;
much practical experience has also been gained by engineers working in the field
over the last thirty years or so. Some of the results of research and some informa­
Published by
HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE tion based on experience have been published in a variety of journals, but none
of the articles is really comprehensive.
To be purchased from
49 High Holborn, London w.c.l This Technical Paper attempts to provide a more comprehensive treatment
423 Oxford Street, London w.l of the subject than has been possible previously; it contains much that has
13a Castle Street, Edinburgh 2 already been published, but in addition, records the results of further research
109 St. Mary Street, Cardiff
Brazennose Street, Manchester 2 carried out especially to fill in some of the gaps in the knowledge.
50 Fairfax Street, Bristol I This Paper has been prepared jointly by an engineer from the Highways
35 Smallbrook, Ringway, Birmingham 5 Division and a scientist from the Road Research Laboratory of the Ministry of
80 Chichester Street, Belfast I
or through any bookseller
Transport. The Paper is thus based both on research and practical experience
of signal control.
D. J. LYONS ,
Director of Road Research

ROAD RESEARCH LABORATORY,

April, 1966

Printed in England for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by McCorquodale, London