Traffic lights not working at Wimpole Road and Brook Street

The Gazette understands the traffic lights at the junction where Wimpole Road meets Magdalen Street and Barrack Street are causing delays. 

Drivers reported some vehicles turning round and others driving through red lights after being left at a standstill. 

A resident, who was near the front of the queue at Wimpole Road at about 8.50am, said: "It was certainly quite worrying seeing cars run red lights at the junction given it is such a busy crossroad.

"Cars were performing U-turns as well, which was pretty dicey because it was still rush hour.

"The queue stretched quite a long way back and it was clear something was not quite right because the lights simply wouldn't turn green from the Wimpole Road end of the junction."

The crossroads connecting Wimpole Road, Brook Street, Magdalen Street and Barrack Street have previously been affected this year, including in August when temporary traffic lights were put in place causing significant congestion. 

UPDATED: A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Traffic signals on the junction for Wimpole Road, Magdalen Street and Barrack Street are operational, however two vehicle detectors on the Wimpole Road approach have been damaged and are inoperable.

“Traffic signals on the Wimpole Road approach will now display a green light for the minimum period of seven seconds, even if no vehicles are present, as a safety feature to ensure road users do not get trapped on a red light as a result of not being detected.

“This safety mechanism could cause a delay to the other traffic signals during quieter periods.

“We apologise for the inconvenience however strongly urge road users to continue following the traffic signals as they are displayed to ensure the safety of everyone passing through the junction.

“Repairs are being arranged for the vehicle detectors on Wimple Road approach which we expect to be back to normal operation within the next three to four weeks.”