While driving home yesterday, I encountered a large round-about on the edge of Bury (where the A14 slip roads converge), where the lights were literally offline.
Confusion seemed to be reigning. Nobody knew what to do. Some people just pulled out blindly – treating it as though the lights were “on green”. Others simply waited, treating the lights as red.
I simply treated the roundabout as a normal round-about, giving way to the right.
It was at this point that it occurred to me – maybe the highway authorities should consider installing electromagnetic (or some such other electro-mechanical device) signs (gravity/spring loaded) stating “Malfunctioning Lights – GIVE WAY”.
When the lights are powered and functional, an electromagnet keeps the sign “closed” (hidden). Otherwise it’s revealed.