Traffic tower

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A traffic tower is a tall, permanent structure built above street level to give a clear view of traffic and to protect the traffic controller from moving vehicles. Some towers have lights or signals that are operated by hand, while others use hand signals to direct drivers. Sometimes a tower serves as a central control point for lights at more than one intersection. Many traffic towers have been replaced by automated traffic lights. Today, many remaining towers are historic landmarks that have been kept or moved to new locations. The last remaining traffic tower in the United Kingdom is in Bicester, Oxfordshire.