With lower volumes and speeds, as well as the expense of installation and maintenance, striping is usually unnecessary. Consistent paint striping establishes a system of traffic control information that drivers can easily understand and follow. Traffic signals are intended to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic. As the most restrictive form of traffic control, signal lights are installed only where less restrictive signs or markings do not provide a sufficient level of control. Most intersections would not necessarily be improved or made safer by installation of a signal.
Unnecessary signals cause hazardous and annoying delays to the flow of traffic.
They can increase traffic on side streets as drivers seek alternate routes. Excessive starting and stopping burns needless amounts of gasoline, resulting in pollution and an economic loss. Although it appears that signalization would reduce accidents, studies have shown that this isn't always true. The potential for rear-end accidents is increased by the installation of a traffic signal. In order to answer these questions, a traffic study by a qualified and experienced traffic engineer is required at the intersection.