Minister backs Telford MP's part-time traffic lights call
Telford MP Lucy Allan's campaign to get traffic lights on roundabouts switched off at quiet times has been backed by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
Mr McLoughlin said the move, proposed by Ms Allan, could reduce journey times, boost business and benefit the environment by reducing the amount of time cars and lorries spend waiting at lights.
Ms Allan added that Telford & Wrekin Council had confirmed it was examining ways to improve Telford's traffic flow, which could potentially involve turning off the lights when they are not needed.
Mr McLoughlin said: "The benefits could be two-fold, first for the environment, but also quicker travelling times that will boost commerce and jobs.
"This is especially important for a growing town like Telford which has tremendous potential as business hub for both Shropshire and the West Midlands."
Ms Allan said she was pleased Mr McLouglin had supported her campaign, saying it would help keep Telford moving.
"I have campaigned on this issue since the new lights were installed on roundabouts over a year ago and I'm glad that the council is taking action," she added.
Ms Allan said safety was also an important consideration. "At Trench Lock Roundabout which has a series of traffic lights there were 21 accidents in 2014, and a total of 35 accidents at traffic lights in the borough during 2014," she said.
"I welcome the news that the council is giving this issue full consideration and is already moving to make sure that this process is done with the concerns of residents in mind."
More than 100 people attended a public meeting to discuss the proposal in February this year.
At the meeting, which was held at Thomas Telford School, Keith Harris, manager of transport and highways for Telford & Wrekin Council, said part-time operation was something the authority was looking at.
Ms Allan said the traffic lights caused people to avoid the town centre due to the delays. Unnecessary vehicle idling increased emissions and led some people to disregard the lights.
"Driving through the town centre late at night or on a Sunday, you can end up stranded on red traffic lights when there are no other cars around – which increases emissions and is very frustrating," she said.
