Dylematy interpretacyjne stosowania sygnałów drogowych ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem sygnalizatora S-2 w „bezpiecznym” zarządzaniu ruchem drogowym. Część I/III

Abstract

Interpretative dilemmas of the use of road signals with particular emphasis on the S-2 signal in “safe” traffic management The paper is devoted to the issue of signal traffic control in the context of proper design, opinion, and approval of traffic organization, focusing on the safety principles and practices of road users. Formal and legal aspects derived from the basic provisions of the Act on Road Traffic and its executive acts are explained in depth. Both designers and traffic management authorities have a major dilemma about the interpretation of many signal phase systems. This is confirmed by the results of a study - as many as 71% of the analyzed intersections contained errors in the application of the signal allowing turning in the direction indicated by the “green arrow”. In the paper the possibilities of using individual traffic signals on roads and intersections, and the problems associated with the so-called “green arrow” in particular are explained. Interpretative shortcomings regarding the traffic control of public transport means, traffic control at pedestrian crossings and in the “intersection areas”, including the entrance of a non-public road are thoroughly characterized. The paper is divided into three parts. The first one is devoted to the legal basis of signal traffic control in Poland, and description of the rules of traffic participants’ movement in the conditions of traffic controlled by traffic lights. The three-part paper, as a whole, will be crowned by the authors' conclusions in the final part, along with recommendations for amendments to the Act on Road Traffic and executive acts.