Weird signal head

[Skipsy]

First post,
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.52302 ... 384!8i8192
what is up with these 2 unused panels on the signals? And I also noticed the no right turn panel even though there is nothing to turn right into?
Anyone got any ideas? (I already tried the go back in time feature and it looks like them blank panels have been there a while, and the bottom one used to be square)

[DavidBrown]

I'd hazard the guess that the blank panels are illuminated when the gates into Regent's Park are closed to show a no left turn and supplementary message. Only a guess though, so may be completely wrong!

As for the no right turn, it gets weirder as immediately before the signals there's now an advance sign warning of the Congestion Charge and ULEZ when turning right - except that not only are you not allowed to turn right, but like you say it doesn't even exist! How utterly bizarre.

[belgarion]

If you move the slider on Google back in time, the signs used to have panels in them which look like they could light up. The top panel was round and the bottom one square, both appear white when not lit, may help someone who know the area what they may have been.

Vince

[Chris5156]

First post,
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.52302 ... 384!8i8192
what is up with these 2 unused panels on the signals? And I also noticed the no right turn panel even though there is nothing to turn right into?
Anyone got any ideas? (I already tried the go back in time feature and it looks like them blank panels have been there a while, and the bottom one used to be square)

Welcome to SABRE!

The panels light up a no left turn sign and an exception plate (possibly "except cycles") - in several places in central London, turn restrictions only apply at certain times of day and are indicated by light-up signs like these.

The no right turn restriction is probably for the private access to the Princess Grace Hospital, which people are likely to try to reach from here.

[Skipsy]

First post,
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.52302 ... 384!8i8192
what is up with these 2 unused panels on the signals? And I also noticed the no right turn panel even though there is nothing to turn right into?
Anyone got any ideas? (I already tried the go back in time feature and it looks like them blank panels have been there a while, and the bottom one used to be square)

Welcome to SABRE!

The panels light up a no left turn sign and an exception plate (possibly "except cycles") - in several places in central London, turn restrictions only apply at certain times of day and are indicated by light-up signs like these.

The no right turn restriction is probably for the private access to the Princess Grace Hospital, which people are likely to try to reach from here.

Makes sense thanks for the explanation

[Skipsy]

Adding on, these ones light up a no right turn and except buses at 7-10am 4-7pm mon-sat (because the bus lane turning right is enforced at these times): https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.41557 ... 384!8i8192
Anyone know of any more examples? Is this the shortest bus lane in the UK?

[Johnathan404]

The Bitterne Gating System in Southampton is an elaborate traffic management system created out of a series of traffic lights with part-time turning restrictions.

[WHBM]

I'd hazard the guess that the blank panels are illuminated when the gates into Regent's Park are closed to show a no left turn and supplementary message. Only a guess though, so may be completely wrong!

As for the no right turn, it gets weirder as immediately before the signals there's now an advance sign warning of the Congestion Charge and ULEZ when turning right - except that not only are you not allowed to turn right, but like you say it doesn't even exist! How utterly bizarre.

You are correct that the message lights up when the road into Regents Park is closed every evening; if you go along Marylebone Road after midnight you will see them working.

I always believed the No Right Turn is to stop people thinking they can turn right there; there is a central reserve gap. The signal has to show Green Ball rather than ahead/left arrows, as the left turn is dependent on whether the park keeper has closed the gates or not; Left Green Arrow when the gates are closed, or Ahead Only when the gates are still open, would be confusing.

[Berk]

The Bitterne Gating System in Southampton is an elaborate traffic management system created out of a series of traffic lights with part-time turning restrictions.

I note you wrote the article a year ago. If the equipment is (up to) 45 years old, how does it still remain functional??

Surely the signalling systems have been replaced at least once since?? Even if it mirrors the existing set up.