Halifax Traffic

[gehrhardt]

While sitting in traffic downtown last evening (1/2 hour to get from Marginal rd to Spring Garden) I started thinking about a few minor (non-transit) changes that may impact traffic during peak times.

- More "no right turn on red" intersections at peak times. I sat on Morris st between Lower Water and Hollis for over a dozen cycles of the traffic lights before getting through. Something is up with the timing of the lights there. There is enough of a delay that one or two cars can turn onto Morris after the red, blocking the traffic going straight.

- This won't be popular with the Port Authority or the truckers, but until there is a permanent solution to the issue with the transport trucks downtown (like increased rail use at the south end terminal), maybe ban them on the downtown streets between 4:00 and 5:00 or something?

- This will never happen, but having actual traffic police at busy intersections, like they do in Europe or Asia. Just keeping people from blocking cross traffic at intersections would make a difference. I know, the cost is too high, and the number of police wouldn't be able to support it.

Oh, and pedestrians, if there is a button for you to press at a crosswalk, PRESS THE BUTTON. For that matter, actually use a crosswalk.

Just some thoughts from when I was sitting immobile in traffic.