[john robson]

The timing on traffic lights is certainly down to the highways dept of the local council where I work, I presume it is the same in London. I do agree with waht you say though, providing you use the lights regularly and get to know the delay, people are more likely to jump a red light if the know it has a long 'all red phase'. The council do tend to listen to complaints from the public and Police about dangerous phasing of lights. On a few occasions our department has brought high accident rates at particular junctions to their attention and they have revised things. Hope this helps.

[thub]

It could be the lights are timed to allow pedestrians to cross, although there aren't many about according to your description. Edited by thub on Tuesday 17th April 08:42

[nubbin]

The reverse situation occurs at several roundaboouts in busy areas where I live (Sheffield) i.e. the lights from one direction are changing from green to red, whilst in other directions they are going red to green i.e. all lights are on amber at the same time. This does lead to a lot of jumping the lights, and I have been forced to stop on a few occassions when people heve "nipped through" just as their lights turn red - potentially much more dangerous than the "all red" situation

[manek]

This used to be known as the 'amber gambler' syndrome, before phased lights were introduced to stop it happening. An Old Fart reports.

[jimbo]

Over here in Holland it seems usual to run red lights for at least 2-3 seconds after they have changed, I have had to anchor up on several occasions as some knobhead goes streaking in front of me at a great rate of knots because he has accelerated to get through an already red light. Jim

[mr+griff]

Thank you for the views and advice, I do not mind waiting long enough to allow pedestrians to cross. Indeed many pedestrian lights have a flashing green man and flashing amber for cars which I understand I can pass if there are no pedestrians. I do mind sitting there, everybody waiting including pedestrians who then decide to cross just as the lights turn green for my side. I'll get in touch with The City of London about the lights where the other road is one way. Cheers Marco