Is there somewhere for drivers to report badly-programmed traffic lights?

A lot has been made of fixmystreet and how effective it is. I was wondering if there is a similar process for reporting junctions where the traffic lights seem to have been programmed by Stevie Wonder? I have just moved to the Manchester area and it seems they only employ circus clowns on their traffic management projects. It is something I have noticed that is getting worse where once you had a 4-way junction with two programmes, they all now operate with four programmes.

This is clearly a ploy left over from the previous incompetent administration for deliberately disrupting the flow of traffic, and all in the name of 'safety' no doubt. Roundabouts are disappearing quicker than this country's manufacturing prowess and its no coincidence that the journey times are increasing. Then when you do have the rare opportunity to enjoy a free flowing roundabout, it has signals installed, and these are working 24/7 so you sit there late at night staring at an empty roundabout. Genius.

Asked on 8 November 2010 by PH, Stockport

Answered by Honest John
Could be an interesting new website: fixmytrafficlights.com. We are in the process of organising one for collectively contesting speeding tickets. The trouble is, the traffic lights lobby in parliament is a very strong one, otherwise why would every slip road in the land have totally unnecessary ramp metering? They don't take criticism lightly.

I have been arguing for countdown and count-up lights as they use in Canada, China, Egypt and Thailand, but they simply claim that their variable system is better, which is why you are always stuck in traffic jams. Where lights have failed for a couple of days it has been proven that traffic flows much more smoothly. Years ago, before Ken created the congestion he could charge for, if you timed it right you could travel the entire length of Marylebone Road in London from Tottenham Court Road to Edgware Road on greens. Ken’s TfL soon stopped that.
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