New Traffic Signal Confuses Drivers, Pedestrians In Quincy
QUINCY (CBS) - Quincy put in a new type of traffic signal on Hancock Street in the downtown, and a little more than a month later people are still confused.
The police department posted on its Facebook page a reminder of the light combinations and what they mean. The city also has the same image on its website. There are signs at the intersection for pedestrians and drivers on how to interpret the new traffic signal.
The signal has side-by-side lights with one light below. There is an alternating red, straight, yellow, blinking yellow, and no light at all.
Bill Geary heads the redevelopment of the city's downtown. "This system gives them (pedestrians) more time to clear the intersection before traffic resumes," said Geary.
He said the state-of-the-art light system is a part of a new national standard adopted in 2009.
Bill Zamzow wonders what happened to the usual red light/green light. "When you get a flashing light that the cars can go if they think it's clear, but the pedestrians are still seeing the countdown," said Zamzow.
Diana Jackson doesn't trust drivers trying to navigate the new light system. "It's very confusing, that's why I have to look up several times just to cross the street," said Jackson.
Geary said pedestrians usually fill the area. There are tourists and college students. He said the system is designed to protect them. He said drivers are usually locals passing though who will quickly learn the new light combination.
"It's taken a little to get used to. I don't mind it," said Kate Evans, resident.
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