The City of Philadelphia and Mayor Michael Nutter recently announced massive cuts to the city's budget. On the list of cuts were pools, libraries, manhole covers and city-owned post offices.
The city added to the list yesterday when it was stated the yellow light, or warning light, in most county traffic lights would not be replaced after burning out.
"We studied this with great care," said Nutter,"and I met with transportation officials and we determined that eliminating the yellow lights would save a few thousand dollars and would only minimally affect traffic flow."
The yellow light was added to the traffic light in 1959 when vehicular traffic was increasing exponentially. Prior to this only red and green were used to warn drivers when to stop and when to go. The warning yellow has been credited with drastically reducing automobile accidents since its inception.
"We have already begun instructing the Streets Department to refrain from replacing burned out yellow bulbs," said Jim Salynz, assistant to the mayor. "Although it appears they stopped long ago."
TrafBulb, Inc., a Media, PA company, manufactures the yellow traffic light bulbs exclusively and was disappointed by the city's decision.
"We stopped making red and green bulbs four years ago. There was no money in red and green bulbs. I just hope cutting yellow lights doesn't become a national trend," said TrafBulb CEO, Connor Hamilton.
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