THE council is to meet with the Highways Agency after campaigners called for traffic lights at a major Hereford roundabout to be turned off.

The Hereford Times has previously reported on the petition started by Colin James which calls for the lights on both Belmont Road and Ross Road to be turned off.

Mr James believes a lack of lights will reduce traffic flow and the chance of accidents.

Councillor Graham Powell, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for education and infrastructure, says that the issue was brought to his attention following a temporary failure of the lights near the Asda superstore in September which, according to some drivers, resulted in a better flow of traffic.

The Highways Agency has already said that improvement works will take place at the junction next year as part of a £900,000 plan to improve Hereford’s main roads.

Now Coun Powell said he has contacted the Highways Agency to ask if the timing of the lights can be fully reviewed.

“People should be aware though, that pedestrians and other vulnerable road users benefit from signalised crossings at busy junctions such as this one, and it is unlikely that a complete removal of the signals would be accessible,” said Coun Powell.

To view Colin James’ petition, visit belmontvoice.co.uk.