An answer to the original question of why the roadworks did not improve the situation is really quite simple - because the work executed did not address the actual problems - the root causes as some would put it. The often favored approach here is just to "do something" so you can say you are addressing the problem, without a clear understanding of the real problems - the root causes.
As to traffic signals on roundabouts, they have missed the mark here because they ignored one simple principle of roundabouts - keep the roundabouts clear to keep traffic flowing. Regulate the traffic entering the roundabout - not the traffic ON the roundabout - get vehicles off the roundabout as quickly as possible.
Only 2 types of traffic signals are required - the amber light and the red light. When the amber light is flashing you may enter the roundabout with caution - meaning give way to the vehicles already on the roundabout - let them go ahead and get off. The solid amber lights means the light will turn red. The solid red light means DO NOT ENTER the roundabout. There is no need for signals ON the roundabout. Time the red lights for the proper flow to keep the roundabout clear.
On many occasions now you have a green light to enter the roundabout but cannot because it is full. Vehicles still try to enter and are now perpendicular to the flow because they just want to get on the roundabout before their signal turns red. Secondly, when the traffic stops on the roundabout the erradict and absurd lane changing begins - everyone jockeying for position.
However, For the above system to work, drivers would actually have to obey the signals - something that appears too optimistic for here.
PS - Qatar's biggest traffic problem is not 10,000 new vehicles a month - it is the complete lack of understanding of lane controls - which if they were followed would allow the traffice to flow. Left turns from the right lane - right turns from the left lanes especially on roundabouts only produces congestion and leads to accidents.
Sorry for the length of reply. Have a great day waiting in traffic!!
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An answer to the original question of why the roadworks did not improve the situation is really quite simple - because the work executed did not address the actual problems - the root causes as some would put it. The often favored approach here is just to "do something" so you can say you are addressing the problem, without a clear understanding of the real problems - the root causes.
As to traffic signals on roundabouts, they have missed the mark here because they ignored one simple principle of roundabouts - keep the roundabouts clear to keep traffic flowing. Regulate the traffic entering the roundabout - not the traffic ON the roundabout - get vehicles off the roundabout as quickly as possible.
Only 2 types of traffic signals are required - the amber light and the red light. When the amber light is flashing you may enter the roundabout with caution - meaning give way to the vehicles already on the roundabout - let them go ahead and get off. The solid amber lights means the light will turn red. The solid red light means DO NOT ENTER the roundabout. There is no need for signals ON the roundabout. Time the red lights for the proper flow to keep the roundabout clear.
On many occasions now you have a green light to enter the roundabout but cannot because it is full. Vehicles still try to enter and are now perpendicular to the flow because they just want to get on the roundabout before their signal turns red. Secondly, when the traffic stops on the roundabout the erradict and absurd lane changing begins - everyone jockeying for position.
However, For the above system to work, drivers would actually have to obey the signals - something that appears too optimistic for here.
PS - Qatar's biggest traffic problem is not 10,000 new vehicles a month - it is the complete lack of understanding of lane controls - which if they were followed would allow the traffice to flow. Left turns from the right lane - right turns from the left lanes especially on roundabouts only produces congestion and leads to accidents.
Sorry for the length of reply. Have a great day waiting in traffic!!
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"A Wise Man knows what he does not know!"