'DIABOLICAL': Backlash from motorists fed up with 'faulty' temporary traffic lights on busy route to and from Northamptonshire secondary school
A set of temporary traffic lights on a busy village road to and from a Northamptonshire secondary school have been slammed as ‘DIABOLICAL’.
The problems began on February 5, when roadworks were set up on the Bugbrooke Road in Kislingbury as part of gas works by Cadent.
Earlier this month, one driver said: “I seriously think there is a problem with the traffic lights. Through the village, cars are queueing all the way back to the Cromwell Cottage pub by the bridge, while the roadworks are on the exit off the village towards Bugbrooke. Letting cars out of the village, the lights are not giving anyone much chance to get through and clear the traffic, but there is nothing waiting the other two ways.
“This is a major school route for buses and cars getting to Campion School. Every day since there have been lots of kids late for school. Luckily, the school has accepted this and not marked children down as late.”
Responding on February 9, Cadent apologised and said they will ensure the lights are manually operated during peak hours.
A spokesman said: “This work is associated with our mains replacement scheme, which involves us upgrading some of the oldest metallic gas distribution pipes in the country.
“Installing modern pipelines like this ensures a safe and reliable supply of gas to local homes for generations, while also having environmental benefits through reduced methane emissions and the introduction of lower-carbon gases like biomethane to the network.
“While nothing had been highlighted to us directly, our project team is looking into the issues you've identified with the traffic lights. We will ensure the lights are manually operated during peak hours, so that our operatives on-site can adapt the signals to traffic volumes. The lights will be needed for around two to three more weeks. We thank everyone for their ongoing patience and understanding.”
However, motorists say problems have continued since that statement, with further complaints made as recently as today (February 25).
One driver said: “Be cautious at the traffic lights. The lights go green at the same time as oncoming traffic from the right. It's a free for all.”
Another motorist said: “I don’t think I have ever witnessed such problems with temporary traffic lights. It’s been diabolical.”
Cadent has been contacted for comment.