Telford traffic light concerns raised at Westminster

Among the concerns raised by Lucy Allan were traffic lights that have been installed at junctions coming off the M54.

Meeting with the chief executive of Highways England, Jim O’Sullivan, she was discussing the effectiveness and need for traffic lights on roundabouts on the M54 Junction Four for Shifnal, Five for Telford centre, and Six for Ketley, which Telford & Wrekin Council says are the responsibility of Highways England.

It comes after signs leading up to the newly extended junction four island, which has also seen new traffic lights introduced, were changed just weeks after being put in place. In May, Telford & Wrekin Council said it would review what it could do regarding the design and layout. But in July announced that some changes would be made to the signage.

Junction four of the M54, near Shifnal, is one of a number of roundabouts in Telford which has recently undergone major works to increase capacity. But residents from Shifnal and Priorslee said that the new markings around the roundabout were causing confusion, particularly for motorists who are not familiar with the area.The improvements were part of the wider £17.4 million Telford Growth Point Package.

Speaking ahead of the meeting in Parliament, Ms Allan said: “I am looking forward to meeting with Highways England to discuss the many challenges on the roads which affect people daily in Telford. Traffic lights on roundabouts are a real nuisance to a lot of drivers and can cause unnecessary delays.”

Ms Allan said she also wanted to discuss news of plans to develop a long term improvement to M6 junction 10.

She was also to raise problems with roadworks going north on the M6 to Manchester and other local concerns raised by constituents.

It has previously been suggested that the work on the M6 could unlock up to 4,206 new jobs by tackling congestion in the region.

The claim has been made as a planning application for the replacement junction goes out for consultation.

Highways England and Walsall Council are behind the £64million scheme.

It will see the existing roundabout bridges over the M6 demolished with two new curved four-lane bridges put up to replace them.

It will also see the widening of the crossroads junction on the Black Country Route, the A454, at the turn off for Tempus Drive and Bloxwich Lane.

It has been described as a “transport priority” for local economic plans.

Ms Allan said: “I will also be looking for an update on the plans to improve junction 10 of the M6. This is something that I welcome as currently there is significant congestion and traffic delays, particularly during morning and evening peak times.

“The plans in place aim to reduce congestion, rat-running and queues to create a freer-flowing road network. This will support economic growth and jobs and connect businesses and communities in Telford by improving access to motorways.”