Traffic lights and road crossings

Traffic signals are used to aid safety and traffic movements, and help pedestrians and cyclists cross the road safely. 

Traffic lights

There are currently 71 sets of traffic signals controlling junctions and bridges.

A1(M) junctions

Traffic signals on the A1(M) junctions are looked after by Amey RTMC:

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

In July 2020 we commissioned new signals at Junction 61 of the A1M (Bowburn Interchange). As part of this work we will be responsible for maintenance until they are handed over to Highways England/Amey later this year.

Road crossings

There are 73 sets of signal-controlled pedestrian crossings in the county which have facilities for people with sight or hearing difficulties. The signals for people with a visual impairment have 'rotating tactile cones', which are mounted under the push button unit and rotate when it is safe to cross. Others bleep when it is safe to cross. Most pedestrian crossings have red tactile paving to indicate to people with visual impairments where the safe crossing point is located.

All new crossings are Toucan (cyclists and pedestrians) or Puffin (pedestrians only). We are removing old Pelican crossings which have a flashing green figure phase. 

We are also responsible for zebra crossings and school crossings.