A ROW is brewing over the installation of a sensor system that could ease traffic congestion in Hereford.

Herefordshire Council is seeking assurances from the Highways Agency that road detection loops, able to predict traffic flow, are being installed at the Belmont roundabout.

Motorists have again this week experienced delays at the island but the Highways Agency says the installation of the SCOOT computer system is on schedule.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "The traffic lights were installed with a timer fitted and without the necessary system to operate the lights according to demand and without proper synchronisation.

"This means traffic problems were exacerbated more than they needed to be and will continue until sensors are installed."

Work at the island was overseen by the Highways Agency, said Coun Wilcox. The council had no jurisdiction over the agency and could not impose penalty clauses or sanctions. But it was monitoring the situation and sought assurances the work would fulfil the original objectives of the scheme, he confirmed.

Highways Agency spokeswoman Annie Harris said: "The programme of work to link the sensors will continue as notified to Herefordshire officials."

She added the work had started as soon as the lights were switched on. "Most work is being done off-peak and there is probably not much work to be seen going on in the daytime," she said.

"It takes a while for the loops to be put in and linked up. There is then a learning process for data to be acquired."

The SCOOT system detects vehicles as they pass through signalled junctions and sets appropriate traffic light timing to maximise vehicle movement.