Traffic light timing changes throughout different times of the day
Request ID: FOI-1019-2223 Date published: 11 August 2022
You asked
Can you please advise me the traffic light timing changes at the junction of Martin’s corner in Dagenham. I wish to know why the traffic lights shorten and cause more traffic, for no obvious benefit that I can see. It’s the A124 as it crosses with valence avenue. Please indicate in your response, the reason for the timing changes, the benefits of the timing changes and whether it’s a safety measure or for some other reason. Thank you in advance.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1019-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27th July 2022 asking for information about the traffic lights at the junction of Martin’s Corner, Dagenham.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Can you please advise me the traffic light timing changes at the junction of Martin’s corner in Dagenham. I wish to know why the traffic lights shorten and cause more traffic, for no obvious benefit that I can see. It’s the A124 as it crosses with valence avenue. Please indicate in your response, the reason for the timing changes, the benefits of the timing changes and whether it’s a safety measure or for some other reason.”
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
The signal timings at this junction are controlled using our dynamic traffic signal control software, that balances the demands of competing road users to optimise the signals, keeping delays to a minimum. The software is set up to be influenced by bus numbers, general traffic flow and pedestrian demand, with greater influence placed on the Wood Lane approaches as these carry the greatest vehicle volumes. The timings change frequently, adapting quickly to changes in traffic flows throughout the day as vehicles are counted passing over detectors in the road . There are presently some faults on-street with some of the detectors that count traffic - these have been reported for repair. However, we can see from our data that despite this, the green time each approach receives is consistent without significant fluctuations. Current average green time received across different time periods, in seconds, on each approach is as follows:
Time of Day
Approach
Valence Avenue
Wood Lane Eastbound
Porters Avenue
Wood Lane Westbound
AM Peak (0700-1000)
9
30
22
20
Off Peak (1000-1600)
10
28
21
20
PM Peak (1600-1900)
10
28
19
23
Evening Peak (1900-2400)
8
43
18
16
Overnight (0000-0700)
8
38
19
17
The junction also uses technology that gives priority to TfL buses providing certain parameters are met. This can sometimes cause opposing approaches to the buses to be terminated early, providing the software deems merit in granting priority to the buses and does not cause significant delay to opposing movements.
This junction features on our timing review programme for this financial year, where the timings will be reviewed to ensure that are optimally set up, to respond appropriately to changes in traffic flows. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
