Why were Britain's first traffic lights built?

Jack Flash

Britain's first traffic lights were erected on a 22-foot high pillar at the corner of Bridge Street and New Palace Yard off Parliament Square in London and came into operation on 10 December 1868. The installation was made at the direction of the Metropolitan Commissioner of Police, Richard Mayne, and was intended principally for the benefit of Members of Parliament wishing to gain access to the Houses of Parliament. It remained the only traffic light in London and after it was removed in 1872 there were no similar experiments for over 50 years. See the Shell Book of Firsts. Oct 02 02, 8:59 PM

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