Two-Aspect Traffic Signals on Left-Turn Slip Lanes Trial

Pursuant to subclause 3.4(1) of the Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 (“Rule”) and a delegation from the NZ Transport Agency, I, Glenn Bunting, Manager Network Safety, authorise the installation, maintenance and operation of yellow and red, two-aspect traffic signals at signalised pedestrian crossings on left-turn slip lanes:

1. for the purpose described in Schedule 1;
2. in the form and layout and complying with the operating requirements set out in Schedule 2;
3. at the locations stated in Schedule 3;
4. for the period specified in Schedule 4; and
5. subject to the evaluation outlined in Schedule 5.

The two-aspect traffic signals may be installed for the purpose of evaluating their use and the trial will be called the “two-aspect signals on left-turn slip lanes trial”.

For the purposes of the trial, the yellow and red traffic signals authorised in this notice are equivalent to the yellow and red traffic signal aspects in Section 6 and Schedule 3 of the Rule.

Schedule 1—Purpose of Trial

The purpose of the trial is to:

1. enable the installation and operation of yellow and red, two-aspect traffic signals as an alternative to three-aspect traffic signals described in 6.4(1), 6.4(3), 6.4(4) and Schedule 3 of the Rule;
2. evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two-aspect traffic signal control of signalised pedestrian crossings on left-turn slip lanes;
3. assess drivers’ understanding of and compliance with two-aspect traffic signals on left-turn slip lanes;
4. assess the behaviour of drivers and pedestrians at signalised crossings controlled by two-aspect traffic signals;

Schedule 2—Form, Layout and Operation of Two-aspect Signals

1. The two-aspect traffic signal displays must comprise a red disc signal above a yellow disc signal or a red disc signal above a yellow arrow signal;
2. The disc and arrow signals must conform with the shape and size of the displays specified in diagrams S1-1, S1-2, S1-2.1 or S1-2.2 in Schedule 3 of the Rule and the colour and brightness of the signal displays must comply with AS/NZS2144:2002 Traffic Signal Lanterns;
3. The sequence of operation of two-aspect traffic signals must be:
   1. a steady yellow signal displayed for at least three seconds, followed by;
   2. a steady red signal, followed by;
   3. a blank display for at least three seconds, followed by the sequence beginning in (c)(i);
4. The operation and appearance of the pedestrian signal aspects must comply with the normal requirements of the Rule;
5. Two primary signal displays must be installed, one on each side of a left-turn slip lane, at the point of entry to the area controlled by the traffic signals;
6. A white limit line, at least 300mm wide, must be marked at the point of entry to the area controlled by traffic signals and at least 6 metres in advance of the lines marked to indicate where pedestrians should cross the road;
7. Two supplementary signal displays must be installed in a position that is visible to drivers stopped at the limit line;
8. An R2-6.2 “STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL” sign must be installed on each of the poles supporting the primary traffic signal displays;
9. Where the exit from the left-turn slip lane is controlled by a give way sign, the limit line for the give way sign must be at least 6 metres beyond the pedestrian crossing on the slip lane.

Schedule 3—Location

The following locations are approved for this trial:

Schedule 4—Period of Trial

The trial may begin after publication of this notice and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 31 October 2020.

Schedule 5—Evaluation

An evaluation must be undertaken and a report produced with analysis, conclusions and recommendations for future application of two-aspect traffic signals on left-turn slip lanes. The report must include assessment of:

1. Drivers’ recognition and understanding of and compliance with two-aspect traffic signals;
2. feedback received from drivers, pedestrians and the public in general;
3. any operational issues or incidents which arose during the trial and how they were resolved;
4. the overall safety and benefits of two-aspect signals compared to standard pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings) or other pedestrian facilities on left-turn slip lanes;
5. any conditions necessary to ensure safe operation of two-aspect traffic signals on left-turn slip lanes as a standard traffic management tool throughout New Zealand.

An interim evaluation report must be sent to me by 31 May 2019 and a final report by 18 December 2020.

Signed at Wellington this 9th day of November 2018.

GLENN BUNTING, Manager Network Safety, NZ Transport Agency.