Australian traffic signals.

Click on the pictures for a larger image.

An example of a 1960's yellow painted Melbourne traffic light. This one was photographed at South Melbourne in 2001. Most have been replaced or repainted black these days.
These earlier signals also had the target board (backplate) mounted behind the signal head rather than flush with the front of it like most are now.

Earlier yellow signal with single green arrow (no yellow arrow). Most of these are gone due to the fact that people tended to keep turning after the green
arrow had gone out even though the red light was on. Obviously South Melbourne drivers are better      behaved so there's been no need to update this one yet. :)   
South Melbourne, Vic.

Not many of these old pedestrian signals with the words DON'T WALK / WALK survive in use these days. The ubiquitous red standing man and green walking man have replaced all but a handful. This one was still in use in late 2001.  Of course the usual sticker above the push button for this signal showed that one waits while the red man is on and crosses when the green man is on.
Glen Waverley, Vic.

This is the same pedestrian signal but also showing the red and white pole and old signal with closed visors.
The target board is behind the signal rather than flush with the front of it like newer signals.
The red and white poles were used at school crossings. Many still exist, but they don't appear to be being repainted anymore. Nor have I noticed any new ones.

These two photos show the DON'T WALK and WALK aspects of the older pedestrian signals.
I've not seen traffic lights in such a poor looking state as this one. The black paint has faded and is revealing the former yellow paint underneath. The lower visor has been replaced at some point. Most other signals at this intersection were newer models and therefore in better looking condition.
Port Melbourne. January 2002.

I didn't know any of these were ever installed in Victoria. At least I don't recall ever seeing one before. Other states had them though.
But here it is in Port Melbourne in January, 2002. And like all the non-pictorial pedestrian signals I've noticed still in use, the push button had the usual sticker (right) displaying the symbols. Which don't really apply to the old signals.
Port Melbourne, Jan 2002.      Don't walk lamp failed by March 2002

The WALK WITH CARE sticker at most pedestrian signals.
VicRoads image.

And whilst on the subject of older pedestrian signals, here are some older pedestrian push-buttons to operate them.
The one on the left is an old "Eagle Signal Co of Australia" button which are the first one's I remember seeing. There is also a large sign with an arrow pointing out that it was there. Obviously when such devices were still a novelty. I can remember when there were no buttons on traffic lights. The window above the button had the words CALL RECORDED when you pressed the button. Blue tape obscures the word PEDESTRIANS.
The later style on the right looked more modern and just had the word WAIT lit up until the WALK signal came on. The sticker below this one is a pre- vic roads one labled ROAD TRAFFIC AUTHORITY.
Port Melbourne, January 2002.

Here is something you don't see very often in Victoria anymore. A traffic signal without a target board. Either it has gone missing, or it has never been fitted with one.
Note the unusual sign for a light rail crossing with traffic signals. This is the former Port Melbourne railway which is now a light rail line (tramway). Interestingly, the original faded railway crossing sign is still in place.
Port Melbourne. January 2002.

An advance traffic signal warning sign with a difference. It's for the same light rail crossing as the previous photo.
Port Melbourne.

Bottom mounted traffic signals.
These signals are mounted somewhat different to the usual methods in Victoria. Also no backplate.
They are on a short mast arm to clear shop verandahs.
Burwood, Vic.

And here is the crossing itself. This had normal railway boom gates when still a heavy suburban railway. But when converted to light rail use, traffic signals replaced the booms. There are also lightweight boom gates installed as well. One wonders why the original gates could not have been kept.
Port Melbourne.

Still at this same light rail crossing (should this have been on the railway crossings pages perhaps?).
Here are the signals facing the light rail vehicles. There are 2 red T (tram) lights. Presumably this is in case one fails.
January 2002. Port Melbourne.

Preserved traffic lights seem to be a rare item in Australia. This set was found lying amid other items awaiting restoration at the Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy, Tas. It had the word 'STOP' embossed on the red lens. I can just recall seeing this type still in use in Melbourne in the 1970's.
1993.

9-lamp multi-column signal. Melbourne has a number of similar signals. The standard column of circle aspects on the left, right turn arrow column in the middle and a 'T' column (for trams) on the right. Tram signals have a white 'T' instead of a green one to lessen possible confusion to motorists.
Burwood, Vic.

Another version of the 9-lamp signal that is probably less confusing for those not used to them. The tram signal is mounted above the other one.
Interestingly they are mounted the other way on the near side of the
intersections. ie. With the tram signal below the normal one. 
Burwood, Vic.

Close-up view of an unusual (but by no means unique) 7-lamp traffic light with amber and green left and right turn arrows either side of the standard column, all on the one assembly.
Burwood, Vic.

Emergency vehicle signals. These signals are placed near some fire and ambulance stations and are designed to stop other traffic and allow the emergency vehicles to enter busy roads without delay.
Yes, they do look like British level crossing signals.
Near Ferntree Gully, Vic. ambulance station.

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