A Bold Solution
In 1868, London installed the world’s first traffic light near Parliament, a 20-foot contraption with semaphore arms and gas lamps to manage congestion. Designed by John Peake Knight, a railway manager, the signal aimed to protect pedestrians and regulate carriage traffic.
A Short-Lived Success
Initially, the light was well-received, with drivers surprisingly compliant. However, in January, a gas leak caused an explosion, severely injuring a police officer. The light was removed and never replaced.
Lingering Challenges
For decades, London struggled with traffic, only introducing new signals in the 1920s. Yet, the city’s first traffic light remains a unique moment in its history, remembered for its ambitious, yet ultimately flawed, attempt at order.
London’s First Traffic Light: A Brief Experiment in Chaos 🚦
A Bold Solution
In 1868, London installed the world’s first traffic light near Parliament, a 20-foot contraption with semaphore arms and gas lamps to manage congestion. Designed by John Peake Knight, a railway manager,… pic.twitter.com/HGJylsqCF9— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) September 10, 2024