The Problem of Controlled Intersection with Cranked Priority

The cranked priority at an uncontrolled intersection increases its capacity if the dominant direction of travel is in the direction of turning left or right. The uncontrolled intersection has a maximum capacity of 1500–2000 vehicles per hour and the light-controlled intersection has a capacity of 3000–6000 vehicles/ h. The capacity of a light-controlled intersection is always the same, whether the right of way is cranked or straight. It is always necessary to assess the capacity of light-controlled intersections with a cranked priority when traffic lights are off due to a positive effect on traffic safety when the traffic organization is going to be changed. In case of the traffic at the intersection being controlled by traffic lights, the intersection organized this way becomes a safety risk for traffic participants due to ignorance of the rule on the superiority of traffic lights over traffic signs. This lack of knowledge is the cause of an amount of analyzed characteristic conflict situations when the traffic lights are on or switched off. The aim of the research is to demonstrate the futility of traffic control with traffic lights at intersections with a cranked priority and at the same time the possibility of increasing the level of traffic safety by straightening the right of way. Based on the detailed analysis, a new solution that increases traffic safety and the clarity of the traffic organization in the intersection area was designed.