myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

The lights Buccoo/Shirivan Road junction are truly splendid, and a thing of beauty - bright assertive and modern. But does anyone know the programming logic of the lights and the protocols/conventions we are to use when turning right from Buccoo into the Shirivan Road?
Twice on this trip we were unfortunate to be caught by these lights. On both occassions it seemed that the programming logic had missed our go! We waited an inordinate amount of time for the lights to change in our favour. In the end, prompted by a hail of horns behind us, and an unreasonable fear that we would be pushed into the junction by one of the local trade 4x4, we were forced to take our chances, turn right against the lights and proceed along the Shirivan road as if nothing had happened.
It could be that the 'locals' treat the traffic lights as advisory and take their chances when safe to do so, and expect others to do so.

Does anyone know the convention/protocol - or had a simlar experience - or is just me?

Wendell

We faced the same problem with the lights as well. Pretty annoying I would say......

Hello,

some of the traffic lights only turn green when you wait just behind the white line.

Josi
http://www.goatdairy-tobago.com

Not about the traffic light . . . but Josefa, we sure do love your yogurt! Especially the soursop!

Hugh

Was about to give it another go last night - 'Sunday School' - but the lights were kind to us and let us through.
We're in and out of there (Buccoo) in the next few days (and Easter!) and will report back our 'considered conclusions'. Think its likely to be 'lights are advisory, proceed when safe to do so' Wendell

All traffic lights in T&T have their sensors (inductor loops) UNDER the white stop line, not
some feet before. That means for the sensor to pick up the presence of your vehicle, you must
proceed until the front part of your car is on top the line. If you stop before, nothing happens, as
you experienced. Local drivers behind you blowing the horn do not encourage you to brake the light,
they want you to proceed to the white line for your vehicle to trigger the lights to change.

Be safe on the road !

Andy