The first traffic light used semaphore arms
In 1868, London debuted the world's first traffic light, using railway-inspired semaphore arms and gas lamps to control chaotic horse-drawn traffic near Parliament.
In December 1868, London unveiled the world's first traffic light, a manually operated device designed by railway engineer J.P. Knight. Located near the Houses of Parliament, it used semaphore arms, much like those on railways, to manage the chaotic flow of horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. Red and green gas lamps provided nighttime signals, a revolutionary concept for the era.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz