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Lights cause traffic hell
NEW traffic lights in Sleaford town centre installed to make it safer for pedestrians crossing have been causing headaches for drivers.
Since the new lights and crossings were switched on at the corner of Southgate and the Market Place last Tuesday traffic gridlock has been worse than ever as motorists are driven to distraction at peak times as they stand in queues.
Now county council leaders have promised a full review if things do not improve.
People have particularly complained to the Standard about increased difficulties getting out of Watergate, as well as increased queuing on main roads into town as a knock on effect as lights allow a few vehicles to pass each time.
The crossing has been installed as part of the town's Community Travel Zone initiative, which provides measures to encourage and assist the public in making short journeys in ways other than their car.
The new crossings are designed to improve pedestrian safety at a dangerous but well-used point where people have previously taken chances in crossing the road. Highways officials said in order to ensure safety, the Northgate junction which was previously 'give way' needs to be light controlled. If not then cars travelling down Northgate would believe a green light at the crossing gave them priority at the junction.
In a joint statement County Council deputy leader Barry Singleton and chairman David Dickinson told the Standard: "Whilst we appreciate that the new system should be given time to establish its viability, our opinion is that the traffic flow should be closely monitored over the next two weeks; if there is no significant improvement in reducing the congestion during that time, it is our proposal to fully review the feasibility of the scheme."
Rowan Smith, Area Highways Manager, added: "LCC Traffic Signals engineers attended the site on Saturday and increased the green light time, particularly to account for lunchtime flows. Traffic counts conducted at lunchtime today (Monday) indicate that between 10 and 20 vehicles are travelling through the junction in each direction (North Gate and South Gate) during every green light phase.
"Although Passenger Transport have not received any reports from bus operators serving Sleaford regarding delays, and neither did the emergency services contact us with any concerns, following the recent adjustment of the phasing we envisage that their vehicles should not encounter any significant difficulties providing other road users continue to show their usual consideration.
"The lane split on South Gate has been in place since the one-way system was introduced and has not changed to accommodate these works. We are aware of the issue with traffic merging with South Gate from Water Gate and will be addressing this situation in the near future.
"Zebra crossings would be totally inappropriate at this location due to a number of health and safety issues including lack of visibility and the closeness of the two crossings to each other. A signalised junction reduces the risk of conflict between pedestrians and vehicles and prevents 'near misses' when used correctly. There are currently no plans to switch off these lights as we are fully committed to ensuring that this new system works well, causing minimum disruption while providing a safe pedestrian crossing area for all residents, visitors and workers in Sleaford."
* What do you think about the new traffic light system? Contact the Standard on 01529 416340 or email: andy.hubbert@jpress.co.uk
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Weather for Sleaford
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
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