Traffic
Signals and Crosswalks
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The Municipality is responsible
for operating all traffic signals, including pedestrian
crosswalk signals and intersection flashers. Our
Municipality has 70 various traffic signals to serve
the public roadways. These signals operate in a variety
of ways. Most signals are "vehicle activated" which
means the vehicle must stop at or near the stop line
to activate it.
The crosswalks operate on a two phase system. Once
the signal indicates to "Walk", there is
an 8 second window to enter the crosswalk before
the "Don't Walk" sign is lit. All signals
have a clearance phase which allows sufficient time
to complete your crossing. If you approach the intersection
and there is no walk signal lit, then it is unsafe
to attempt to cross.
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Request
a new traffic signal or the installation of a new street light in your area
Engineering Dept. 250-475-5575
Report a traffic signal problem
Public Works Department
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Primary phone: 250-475-5437
If you can not reach the Clerk at the above number, please call the Switchboard at:
Alternate phone: 250-475-5599
24 hour emergency line
250-475-6190
Report a street light problem
Reporting form
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There are pedestrian operated signals
at some of the major crosswalk areas. These signals
are operated solely by the pedestrian traffic in the
area. They work when pedestrians press the buttons mounted
on the nearby poles. If these signals don't operate
when the buttons are pressed, a call to the electrical
shop would be appreciated (250-475-5437).
The other most important type of traffic signal is
the fully actuated type. These signals
are operated by both pedestrian and vehicle action.
Although this type of signal is more complex than
the pedestrian type, there are a few simple things
to remember.
Pedestrians only have to press the button once. This
sends a signal to the controller where it is stored
until the cycle is correct for allowing pedestrian
movements across the intersection. The flashing
wait signal is called the pedestrian clear
part of the cycle. This generally means that you
must clear the crosswalk while this is flashing.
A solid wait means it is unsafe to
cross as the light may be on the verge of changing.
Motor vehicles trigger the lights in a similar way.
Instead of pressing a button, they trigger a loop
that is under the pavement. When a vehicle approaches
an intersection it sends a signal via the loop to
the controller, which in turn logs a call to the
computer in the cabinet. It is important to remember
to stop at the stop bar. If the vehicle
stops too far behind or in front of the painted stop
bar, it may not send a signal to the controller and
you may miss your opportunity to advance through
the intersection.
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