When properly used, traffic signals are valuable devices for the control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. They assign the right-of-way at intersections, thereby profoundly influencing traffic flow. 

Traffic signals that are properly designed, located, operated, and maintained will have the following advantages:

• They increase the traffic-handling capacity of the intersection if:
  • Proper physical layouts and control measures are used, and
  • The signal operational parameters are reviewed and updated (if needed) on a regular basis (as engineering judgment determines that significant traffic flow and/or land use changes have occurred) to maximize the ability of the traffic control signal to satisfy current traffic demands.
• They provide for the orderly movement of traffic.
• They reduce the frequency and severity of certain types of crashes, especially right-angle collisions.
• They are coordinated to provide for continuous or nearly continuous movement of traffic at a definite speed along a given route under favorable conditions.
• They are used to interrupt heavy traffic at intervals to permit other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, to cross.

Traffic control signals are often considered by some as the solution for all traffic problems at intersections. This belief has led to traffic control signals being installed where they are not needed, adversely affecting the safety and efficiency of traffic. Traffic signals, even when justified by traffic and roadway conditions, can be ill-designed, ineffectively placed, improperly operated, or poorly maintained. Improper or unjustified traffic signals can result in one or more of the following disadvantages:

• Excessive delay,
• Violation of the signal indications,
• Increased use of alternate routes as road users attempt to avoid the traffic signals, and
• Significant increases in the frequency of collisions (especially rear-end collisions).

Before a traffic signal can be installed, the City’s Transportation Division conducts a thorough engineering study. This study evaluates key factors such as traffic and pedestrian volumes, posted speed limits, collision history, road alignment, and visibility.

To install a traffic signal, the intersection must meet California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) warrants. If warrants are met, engineering judgment is considered to make sure the proposed traffic signal improves the overall safety and operation of the intersection.

If the intersection does warrant a traffic signal and is approved by the City Traffic Engineering Staff, it will be installed as soon as funding permits. Traffic Signals are commonly installed as part of the Capital Improvement Program in the City, with projects evaluated by the City Council. The cost for a typical signalized intersection starts at $200,000 and could be in excess of $400,000, with an additional $5,000-$10,000 per year to maintain.

If the study finds that a traffic signal is not warranted, the Transportation Division may recommend alternative improvements, such as all-way stop controls or signing and striping modifications, which can be more cost-effective and implemented more quickly.

Generally, drivers perceive wait times longer than they actually are. However, there are situations where signal operations can be improved.

Most of the traffic signals maintained by the City detect vehicles using video camera detection. This type of detection uses a video camera and a highly advanced processor to analyze a live video feed from each approach, and compares it to when it was empty. The processor analyses this many thousands of times a day, and the cameras can even detect presence at night.

When a driver is waiting at a red light for what is perceived as an long time, sometimes without cross traffic approaching, it is commonly referred to as a “stale" red light. This can happen for a few reasons. One might be missed detection. Though video detection systems are very reliable, they do sometimes have errors. If a motorist or bicyclist waits at an intersection through an entire cycle, there is likely a problem with the signal detection system.

Other "stale" red lights could be due to signal coordination. If a corridor is coordinated, it gives priority to moving traffic on a major street over a side street. If a vehicle waits without traffic approaching from other directions, this might be due to coordination. The City strives to maintain the coordination networks within the city, and evaluates those systems on an ongoing basis.

If a pedestrian waits through a cycle without a walk sign, please contact us so a technician can evaluate any problems with the signal hardware.

No. The cameras mounted on traffic signals do not record or save video footage. They provide live video only, which can be viewed by Transportation staff to help monitor traffic flow and signal operation in real time. These cameras cannot be used to issue citations for running red lights or other violations.