RAINBOW STREET TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES

Recent changes to the traffic lights at the corner of Bowser and Rainbow Street in Sandgate have been causing some confusion and delays for motorists.

Cars have been waiting at the crossing for a green light to come on. If the amber or red light is not on, they should simply turn left with care.

Coming from the city, cars wanting to turn left at the old Post Office corner to go round into Sandgate village previously had to wait at a red light - even if no pedestrians were to be seen.

Many believe that these frustrated motorists were contributing to some of the problems with rat-running and speeding in nearby Hancock Street.

The traffic lights at the left turn slip lane have been changed to allow cars to turn left with care, unless the traffic light is red.

“A few years ago, traffic lights were installed in that slip lane to allow safe pedestrian crossing between the train station and the old Post Office building,” Councillor Newton said.

“I’ve been constantly lobbying Council’s traffic team for a solution to this problem while still providing safe pedestrian access.”

“I’m pleased a new system has now been installed where there will only be a red traffic light in that slip lane if there are pedestrians wishing to cross.”

This means that the traffic lights in that lane will only show amber or red when triggered by a pedestrian wishing to cross.

“There is no green light at all in that slip lane – it’s just turn left with care unless the light’s red,” said Cr Newton. “If the lights aren’t on in that sliplane, then motorists can simply turn left with care – the same as when it was a slip lane with a pedestrian crossing on it.”

“To make it clearer for motorists, Council will be erecting ‘Stop on Red Signal’ signs,” Cr Newton added. “This should be completed by the end of March.”

Council took the opportunity to introduce other upgrades to the traffic lights at that intersection at the same time. A new turning arrow has been added to help people turning right into Bowser Parade, which will help people heading from Shorncliffe into the Sandgate shopping village. Also all the lights themselves have all been updated at that intersection to the current LED standards, which are brighter and clearer.