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Drivers baffled as lights scheme is stuck on red
THE reason why traffic lights at one of the busiest road junctions in Peterborough have still not been switched on after five months remains a mystery – and motorists are still in the dark.
THE reason why traffic lights at one of the busiest road junctions in Peterborough have still not been switched on after five months remains a mystery – and motorists are still in the dark.A scheme to reduce congestion by installing a range of new traffic signals at the busy Thomas Cook Interchange – Junction 15 of the A47 Soke Parkway/A1260 Nene Parkway – began in mid-February.
Since then, the Highways Agency, which is responsible for the work, has put in a number of lane closures to help resurfacing work on the slip roads coming off the A47 and onto the newly designed roundabout.
The set of new traffic lights were put in place shortly after, but more than five months down the line, they have still not been switched on, leaving motorists confused.
Today, the city council said the project was nothing to do with it, and was down solely to the Highways Agency, which has been unable to comment on the matter.
Baffled motorist John Hastings (65), from Headlands Way, in Whittlesey, contacted The Evening Telegraph to say that he regularly uses the road and has found it increasingly difficult to do so since the works began.
“Months ago, workmen started putting in traffic lights at this junction, but weeks ago it was finished. The lights are there, the new signs are up and the road markings updated. But the lights haven’t been switched on.
“This is confusing for drivers, as they are warned about new lights, even though they are not in use, and the road markings are appropriate for the lights, but not for a junction without lights,” he said.
Mr Hastings’ worries have been echoed by councillor Matthew Dalton, who represents West ward and lives close to the troublesome junction, so uses it most days.
He said: “Living in Longthorpe, I use it regularly. So consequently I, like my local fellow local residents, feel that there has been significant delay with ensuring the traffic lights are fully operational.
“ I would urge the Highways Agency to sort of the system as soon as possible.”
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said it was unable to comment at this time and would provide more details on the current situation next week.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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