Colchester Wimpole Road to see minimum-timed green lights

In recent days drivers reported issues at morning rush hour with the traffic lights where Brook Street, Barrack Street and Wimpole Road meet seemingly out of synch. 

Drivers said some vehicles ran red lights and others did u-turns to escape the queues. 

One resident told the Gazette: "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."

Queues – Wimpole Road in August as builds at the traffic lights due to then temporary works by UK power networks (Image: Newsquest) 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.”

Perplexed - Ward councillor Sam McLean said residents would be perplexed to why it could take up to four weeks for a 'straightforward swap' (Image: Newsquest) While ward Councillor Sam McLean said: "The safety mechanism may cause some traffic delays, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

"Still, it's perplexing why replacing a sensor is taking three to four weeks. New Town residents are bound to question why such a straightforward part swap requires so much time."

Heavy congestion on the junction has been seen throughout the year, particularly in August when UK Power Networks shut off one lane on each of the crosswords while they repaired a high voltage.