How Did Traffic Lights Start? From Gas Lamps to Smart Signals
This short reel traces the history of the traffic light in 30 seconds. It starts with a hand operated gas lamp signal outside Parliament in London in 1868, moves to Cleveland's first electric traffic light in 1914 and Garrett Morgan's 1923 patent that added a warning phase between stop and go. It closes on today's LED and smart signals that adapt to real traffic. It is rendered in the Engraving Collage style, with vintage engravings cut out and recombined on deep teal with gold leaf.
History Engraving Collage style
- Voice
- Tyler
- Language
- English
- Length
- 0:29
The brief
This is the brief that made the video. Start from it and change what you like.
Make a vertical (9:16) English voiceover reel of about 30 seconds on how traffic lights began. Open on a busy modern intersection with the hook of who invented the traffic light. Show the hand operated gas lamp signal outside Parliament in London in 1868, then Cleveland's first electric traffic light in 1914, then Garrett Morgan's 1923 patent that added a warning phase between stop and go. Finish with a fast montage of present day LED signals, sensors and a smart intersection, and close on a brand call to action. Use fast cuts, bold on screen text, date stamps and captions throughout, with a brisk, energetic narrator who punches the dates.
The script
Ever wonder who invented the traffic light?
It started in London in 1868, with a hand-operated gas lamp signal outside Parliament.
In 1914, Cleveland switched on the first electric traffic light.
Then in 1923, Garrett Morgan’s patent added a warning phase between stop and go.
Today, LED and smart signals adapt to real traffic and keep cities moving.
[Traffic Tech]: keeping roads safe, one signal at a time.
