Is Canberra's obsession with traffic lights truly keeping us safe, or is it just jamming up our commutes? Picture this: a city where roundabouts could swirl traffic smoothly, but instead, red lights rule the roads. This isn't just a casual observation—it's a hot topic sparking fierce debates among drivers, planners, and everyday commuters. Stick around as we unpack the science behind traffic signals, why they're often picked over those circular wonders called roundabouts, and why some spots in the ACT might benefit from a rethink. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we over-relying on these blinking beacons at the expense of more fluid alternatives?
Take a look at this photo from James Coleman—does it make you wonder if traffic lights are popping up too frequently in our capital? Most of Canberra's signals are spot-on, according to experts, but that could shift if a fresh set gets the green light on Tuggeranong's Drakeford Drive. The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), a powerhouse in transport innovation, has been delivering cutting-edge research and practical fixes for roads, rails, ports, and airports across Australia for over six decades. They've advised governments and businesses on everything from busy highways to bustling airports, always aiming for smarter, safer mobility.
With a petition circulating (check it out at https://epetitions.parliament.act.gov.au/details/e-pet-064-25) urging the ACT Government to install new lights at the busy junction of Drakeford Drive and Noorooma Street in Isabella Plains, we tapped into the wisdom of NTRO CEO Michael Caltabiano. He broke down how these decisions are made—and why traffic lights evoke such strong feelings, from adoration to outright disdain.
So, how do planners decide when to opt for traffic lights instead of, say, a roundabout? Australia's road design guidelines outline a hierarchy of intersection types, escalating from simplest to most complex: uncontrolled (no signals or special markings), roundabouts (those circular hubs where traffic yields at entry), signalised (with lights), and grade-separated (like overpasses or underpasses that avoid crossing paths altogether).
'As traffic volumes grow and risks increase—think pedestrians darting across or cyclists weaving through—designers must weigh the flow on all 'legs' of the intersection,' Caltabiano explains. 'It's not just about one main road; every approach matters. They select the best fit based on the unique demands of that spot, balancing safety with efficiency.'
For instance, to upgrade from an uncontrolled setup to lights, both roads typically need to hit at least 600 vehicles per hour. That's the threshold where planners start seriously considering signals to prevent chaos. And this is the part most people miss: It's not arbitrary—it's data-driven, ensuring that changes respond to real-world needs without over-engineering.
But where do roundabouts fit into this puzzle? 'Roundabouts excel at handling moderate to heavy traffic that's evenly balanced across all directions,' Caltabiano notes. 'They're ideal when all four legs of the intersection carry similar volumes, allowing cars to merge smoothly without stopping.' However, they falter when one road dominates—like a busy artery with minor side streets—unless there's a big issue with vulnerable road users, such as walkers or bikers who need extra protection. Imagine a roundabout in a suburban area where traffic is lopsided; it might create backups or confusion, defeating its purpose.
Now, onto the downsides of traffic lights—because nothing's perfect. 'Lights halt traffic flow, and our goal is to keep vehicles moving safely and efficiently,' Caltabiano says. 'Planners use every tool to achieve that.' Poorly positioned signals can lead to unintended consequences, like drivers taking 'rat runs' through quieter neighborhoods, overloading streets not built for extra volume. It's like forcing a trickle into a straw meant for a stream—something breaks.
For a real-world example, let's zoom in on the petition for Drakeford Drive lights. Sponsored by ACT Labor's Caitlin Tough, it argues that recent housing developments have ramped up traffic on Drakeford Drive and nearby roads, turning the intersection into a hazard. During rush hours, some drivers reportedly speed dangerously to squeeze through fleeting gaps, raising safety alarms.
The petition highlights two tragic accidents: a 2011 fatality involving an 18-year-old motorbike rider and a 2021 crash claiming the life of a 78-year-old woman in a two-vehicle collision. With only five signatures so far—far from the 500 needed to reach the Legislative Assembly—it might not gain traction. But based on Caltabiano's insights, there's more to the story.
Living just around the corner, Caltabiano shares that while NTRO lacks the exact traffic counts, anecdotal evidence suggests Drakeford Drive is nowhere near the 600-vehicles-per-hour mark. A roundabout wouldn't suit either, as minimal traffic trickles in from Isabella Plains. Plus, nearby options like the Isabella Drive and Johnson Road roundabouts offer better routes, with multiple access points in the suburb to divert the flow.
This intersection operates as a 'two-stage' crossing, where drivers tackle one lane at a time. You focus on oncoming traffic from the right, cross to the median, then check left before proceeding—much like crossing a busy street in segments to stay safe and aware. In 2013, the government invested about $20,000 from the Black Spot Program on enhanced line-marking and signage to boost visibility and caution, and Caltabiano believes it remains effective today.
Planners would assess the bigger picture: how Noorooma Street connects to those larger roundabouts, nearby traffic generators like schools or care homes, and actual vehicle counts. It's a holistic approach.
Looking ahead, the Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts Tuggeranong's population will rise by 26,000 by 2065 (from 91,387 to 117,994), but Isabella Plains has seen just 150 new homes in 15 years. With limited growth anticipated, planners factor this in—traffic decisions aren't based on one factor alone.
So, why the outcry over Drakeford Drive and similar spots like Hindmarsh Drive? Caltabiano praises the ACT's track record; most lights solve real issues and aren't cheap (often costing millions), so they're not installed lightly. Yet, it's not flawless. 'The main gripe in Canberra is the synchronization of lights, especially downtown—that's ripe for improvement to reduce stops and starts.' But on placement and purpose? 'I've heard no complaints about that.'
And this is where opinions diverge: Is the lack of perfect coordination a sign of systemic flaws, or just a minor tweak in an otherwise solid system? Some argue roundabouts could replace more lights for better flow, while others swear by signals for their predictability. What do you think—has your city overdone it with traffic lights, or are they underrated? Do you side with signals or swear by roundabouts? Share your views in the comments, and let's discuss!
