Europe

Europe

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AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS-European signals tend to be mounted lower than US signals, perhaps due to the signal generally being on the same side of the intersection as the traffic it is controlling. In the cities, there aren't many signals mounted on overhead arms. The Netherlands signals look similar to US train signals. Every Netherlands signal (at least the ones in Amsterdam) has a number at the top (for identification purposes). (Photo by Mark Furqueron)

Another view of a "typical Dutch signal" in The Netherlands. This view shows the important, smaller cue signal for the first driver in line.

Bikes can be just as important as autos...proven by this signal! In the background is Amsterdam Central Railroad Station.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Belgian signals are similar to Dutch signals with the exception that they use red and white stripes on the poles rather than black and white. (Photo by Mark Furqueron)

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- These are painted like the Belgium ones, but the design is more like the US.

Piccadilly Circus, LONDON, ENGLAND- In England, before the light goes green, there is a short red with yellow phase. No let turn sign is illuminated at night.(Photos by Mark Furqueron)

Signal From Sheffield, England that utilizes a microwave detector at the top of the signal to detect traffic. Note use of arrow sign right next to green arrow indication. (Photo by Peter Bull)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND- The signals here are identical to the British ones. (Photo by Cheryl Meddings)

PARIS, FRANCE- Very different looking traffic signals . Note the smaller signal for the first driver in the cue, since European signals are installed on the near- side curbs. These signals are located near the"Place de la Concorde". (Left photo by Mark Furqueron, right photo by Ruth Rietveld)

A different looking French signal!

ITALY- Italian Signals typically are made of polycarbonate plastic, and use a combo 12" red with 8" yellow and green sections. The pedestrian signal are unique, in that they use three-section signals to indicate the walk, pedestrian clearance, and don't walk phases.

Mast arms have a gentle up-sweep, and the overhead signals use black back plates with a white stripe along it's outer edge. Also note the smaller cue signal at the top of the mast.

Close-up view of Italian signal, showing the interesting lens design and back plate with white border. (Above photos by Andrea Greggio)

GERMANY- Here are a few pictures of German traffic signals. Lenses tend to have more cross-hatching, visors are of the cut-away type, and the doors can be round or square. Germany also utilizes the red / yellow before green phase. (Photos by Josh Hanz)

GENEVA, AUSTRIA- Similar to German signal above. (Photo by Josh Hanz)

LUGANO, SWITZERLAND- Example of a Swiss signal. More examples of different European signals here. (Photo by Josh Hanz)

SPAIN- Picture of typical Spanish signal. Note the small two light "cue" light for the first car in line. Visors are also typically elongated and semi-circular.

SWEEDEN- And here's one from a Scandinavian country. It's a LED-based traffic signal, photographed in the city of Örnsköldsvik in Sweden. I'm not totally sure but I believe the rounded "shield" around it it to help make it more visible during sunny days.

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