Traffic lights to stay at busy Telford roundabout
Traffic lights will stay turned on at a busy Telford roundabout following a review, it has been announced.
Telford & Wrekin Council has taken the decision to leave the new traffic lights at Ketley Brook roundabout on – saying pedestrian safety has been the deciding factor.
The decision has been endorsed by both West Mercia Police and the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership.
A review into the operation of the new traffic signals - which alter their timings depending on demand - examined all options open to the council, but concluded that keeping the lights in operation was the best solution.
The lights were introduced after a revamp of the roundabout was finished in June this year.
Angie Astley, Telford & Wrekin Council’s assistant director for neighbourhood and customer services, said: “It is clear that the recent improvements provide better and more efficient travel for motorists and also caters for pedestrian and cyclists.
“The journey time difference between the new lights being on and off is minimal and does not justify the additional costs we would have to spend on making changes to the pedestrian crossing to make it safe or the increased risk of accidents if the lights were to be switched off.”
Rod Lake, traffic management advisor to West Mercia Police, said: “We welcome the improvements that have been made by Telford & Wrekin Council to Ketley Brook roundabout, which will increase road safety for all road users including pedestrians.”
Vicki Bristow, of West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said: “We are aware of the issues at Ketley Brook Island and the dangers that this could pose to pedestrians if the lights were switched off.
"Hopefully the changes that Telford & Wrekin have implemented will make the roundabout safer for all users.”
Ketley Brook roundabout is one of six key gateways across Telford and Wrekin that has been upgraded as part of the Growth Point Package, which is increasing the capacity of the road network in anticipation of future growth.
Other roundabouts that have been upgraded as part of the Growth Point package are Shawbirch, Limekiln Bank, Clock Tower, Trench Lock and Randlay Interchange.
