A reader reached out to RTL concerning a set of traffic lights showing a red and a green light at the same time. The National Roads Administration confirmed the incident. However, it said that while they had supplied the traffic lights, responsibility for managing the construction site belonged to the municipality.
Article 102 of the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 15 January 2003 stipulates that the responsibility for signage at a construction site lies with the party carrying out the works, while the relevant authority responsible for installing or supervising regulatory signage. The municipality of Remich stressed that the photograph did not show a prolonged malfunction. The image was taken Saturday evening, while staff was in the process readjusting the traffic lights and before the temporary construction-site lights had been switched off.
While the situation may appear amusing, it could have serious consequences if drivers do not react correctly.
As at all roadworks in Luxembourg, temporary construction signage takes precedence over permanent traffic signals. According to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Transport, drivers must follow the signage associated with the roadworks rather than the usual traffic signs and signals.
Yellow markings take priority over white lines, for example, and temporary construction lights override permanently installed traffic lights.
In the situation shown in the photograph above, motorists should have continued to follow the temporary construction traffic lights. Under the applicable rules, permanent traffic lights only come back into effect once the temporary signals have been switched off.
