Traffic Signals Policy

The maintenance of existing traffic signal equipment in the Borough is included in the Traffic Signals Maintenance Unit Agreement. However, the Agreement does not cover the replacement costs of refurbishment, it is recommended that traffic signal assets will generally need replacing after a life cycle of approximately 15-20 years.

The current condition of the traffic signal and pedestrian crossing infrastructure are assessed in terms of age, condition, risk and safety issues. This is done via the database in Appendix 1and a review of the annual inspection findings. The condition of some traffic signal equipment can deteriorate at a more rapid rate than others primarily due to location and the volume and traffic mix utilising the route. Similarly, the strategic importance of certain installations mean that priority to upgrade will be given to ensure resilience of the primary network.

Currently 97% of the signal stock are within an acceptable range of continued service, assuming a life cycle of 20 years. However, some of the stock is within the 15-20 year age range. Therefore a rolling three year asset management programme has been developed, based on the asset management spreadsheet, age of infrastructure, annual condition survey and risk and safety issues, and is funded from both revenue and LTP budgets.

Up-grades in recent years now include Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems, LED bulbs and passive, aluminium signal poles, all of which help to improve safety, energy efficiency and high reliability, thereby reducing risk and maintenance liabilities.