Traffic Lights

We are responsible for permanent traffic lights (also known as 'traffic signals') on the County's roads. There are 55 sets of traffic signals controlling junctions and bridges. There are also 64 sets of signal controlled pedestrian crossings in the county. These include light controlled pedestrian crossings, which have facilities for the partially sighted and hard of hearing. The signals for the partially sighted have rotating tactile cones, which are mounted under the push button unit and they rotate when it is safe to cross. Others have an audible indicator, which bleeps when it is safe to cross. Most pedestrian crossings have red coloured tactile paving to indicate to the partially-sighted, where the safe crossing point is located.

Traffic signals are used to aid safety and traffic movements, to help pedestrians and cyclists cross the carriageway in safety and to provide better priority for all forms of transport. Various forms of signal controlled pedestrian crossings are used depending on each individual case. All new crossings will be Toucans or Puffins. Our existing Pelican crossings are gradually being phased out by upgrading them to Toucans or Puffins.

Puffin and Toucan Crossings differ from Pelican Crossings as there is no flashing green figure phase. On Puffin Crossings the red and green figures are above the Push Button on your side of the road. Press the button and wait for the green figure to show. On Toucan Crossings cyclists are permitted to ride across the road.

If you have any queries regarding Traffic Signals, or wish to report a fault with a Traffic Signal or Crossing, please use the link below via to our Highways Action Line.

The Traffic Signals at the A1(M) motorway junctions shown below, are the responsibility of the Highways Agency:

• 61 (Bowburn Interchange)
• 62 (Carrville Interchange)
• 63 (Blind Land Interchange, at Chester-le-Street)

If you have any problems with these signals, please contact the agents for the Highways Agency, their details are shown below:
A-One
Valley House
Valley Street North
Darlington
DL1 1TL
Tel: 01325 341630
Fax: 01325 385777