Why do I have to wait longer for a green light at a local intersection at different times of the day?
The intersection likely has a “time of day” timing plan which allocates more green time to the direction of travel with the highest volume of traffic. Since traffic flow varies during the course of the day you may find that if you are on a side street you may have to wait longer for a green light in the morning or late afternoon peak times – versus at mid-day or at night. I have noticed two different types of left turn arrow displays when I drive; one type displays a solid green arrow when a left turn is allowed and the other type displays a flashing green arrow. What is the difference between these two different types of green arrow displays? You are describing what is called a “Protected” and a “Protected/Permissive” left turning phasing. The “protected phase” means that when a motorist sees a solid green arrow, the entire time is dedicated to the left turn, which is followed by a yellow, then a red signal. The “protected/permissive phase” means that after the green arrow stops flash
