What inherent inefficiency characterized the early automated signal systems using fixed interval timers after 1928?

Answer

They could not account for real-world traffic demand, giving greens when no cars were present.

The early automated timers operated on fixed schedules and were inherently inefficient because they were blind to actual demand, often giving time to quiet side streets.

What inherent inefficiency characterized the early automated signal systems using fixed interval timers after 1928?
inventionHistoryautomationtransporttraffic light