News 12 First at Five, November 5, 2009

AIKEN, S.C. --- Downtown Aiken is known for its historic charm, quaint shops...and confusing traffic lights.

"Over the last two years, we've had some severe ones in downtown. Cars flipping over in accidents so we don't want people coming to Aiken being injured and getting hurt," said Chief Pete Frommer with Aiken Department of Public Safety.

For years, Chief Frommer says the rules been if the light's red and it's a square intersection, you have to stop. But if you're at a circular intersection, you can cruise on through. It's a confusing idea that'll soon go away with new lights and new arrows.

"My first experience was stopping at a red light at a circle and wondering why people were getting ready to blow their horns," said Sinclair Short of who uses the downtown intersections.

"I've recently come over from England so I'm learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road. I've found it quite complicated here in Aiken when I've been a passenger. So anything that can make life easier for me in learning to drive safely will be absolutely great," said Yolanda Drake who uses the downtown intersections.

Officials say not only will the new lights at the intersections alleviate problems for drivers, they're also installing new crossing signs like this one including timers on them so pedestrians will also know when to stop and when to go.

"It'll make it easier for the people who haven't been here that long so I don't have a problem with it," said Loretta Edgar who uses the downtown intersections.

And now as crews continue to put the finishing touches on all the intersections, everyone involved is looking forward to the outcome.

"The good thing is people will know what to do," said Chief Frommer.

Chief Frommer says the lights should go up shortly after the first of the year. The entire project was funded by the state and the Department of Transportation.