newfarer wrote:Did you know that Jams in Nairobi are caused by the round abouts and not the width of the road?
Sort out the round abouts and there will never be jams
This fallacy about roundabouts has been peddled long enough and often enough to the point where now many people believes it is true!
The fact is that a roundabout is a cheap and efficient traffic flow regulator at a junction. It regulates flow smoothly in low to medium density flow rates without the need for additional control [automatic or manual]
When flow densities are high, automated traffic lights help in bringing back the smooth flow control.
I have been involved in the design and installation of traffic lights in Nairobi and the problem is two fold:
1: Motorists do not obey the traffic rules
2: Police officers also do not obey the rules
This is how we end up with police officers controlling traffic at a junction / roundabout that has automated lights.
In my opinion; the problem can be solved by two simple steps:
1: Ensure that the lights (and other roundabout rules) are obeyed by all. Have hefty fines for those who jump a red light (eg, sh100,000 + 30 days in jail + 3 year suspension of licens!!!)
2: Have police at roundabouts. NOT to control the traffic, but to catch those who break the rules.
On a lighter note, I have always wondered who is the greater idiot: the guy who jumps the red light and drives on kabisa, or the one who stops 5m past the light and therefore doesn't see the lights going green?
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