How Slough's Bold Road Safety Experiment Changed the Game
Did you know that over 70 years ago, Slough became a national testbed for road safety? From 1955 to 1957, this Berkshire town underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a living laboratory for groundbreaking traffic management ideas. The goal? To save lives and prevent road deaths.
Jaye Isherwood, a local historian with a personal connection to the issue, shares her story. Her grandmother was tragically run down by a reversing soft drinks lorry in Manor Park, leaving a lasting impact on the family. This experience highlights the need for road safety measures in Slough.
The experiment introduced innovative concepts like linked traffic lights, zebra crossings, and even a unique signal that turned red if someone had died on the roads that week. These measures aimed to address the growing concerns of the time, as car ownership boomed and the town's population expanded.
During the experiment, Slough's infrastructure faced immense strain. With 53,000 people employed at the Slough Trading Estate and a significant portion commuting by bicycle, the roads were under constant pressure. This led to a high number of accidents, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
One unique feature of the experiment was a 25ft pole with two light beacons at Crown Corner. The color of the lights held a powerful message: green indicated no road deaths in Slough that week, while red meant a tragic loss of life. This simple yet impactful signal became a symbol of the town's commitment to safety.
The Slough Experiment was a comprehensive approach, combining education, enforcement, and engineering. Posters, school talks, cycling and motorbike proficiency classes, and additional police officers were part of the strategy. Road junctions were re-engineered, and the Road Research Laboratory in Langley developed a pedestrian crossing system with all-weather visibility.
The results were impressive. According to a 1957 report, fatal accidents and injuries in Slough decreased by approximately 10%. However, the most significant change, according to Isherwood, was in the mindset of Slough residents. Elements of the experiment, such as zebra crossings and linked traffic lights, are now ubiquitous in towns and cities worldwide.
Interestingly, the safety testing for motor vehicles introduced during the experiment laid the foundation for what we now know as the MOT test. This holistic approach to road safety has had a lasting impact, shaping how we manage traffic and ensure road safety today.
