Poole roundabout traffic lights back on despite traffic claims
A set of traffic lights have been turned back on after a refit - despite claims from drivers and traders that traffic has flowed better without them.
The lights in Fleetsbridge, Poole, were removed as part of a £75,000 upgrade.
But businesses and locals wanted the lights removed permanently as they found traffic jams and journey times had been cut without them.
Poole council said the lights had reduced accidents at the roundabout and must remain for this reason.
Steve Tite, traffic manager at the council, said before the signals were made full-time in 2000 there was an average of seven accidents a year whereas now there are 2.68 a year.
He added: "We've heard of concerns locally but our main issue is that the signals were originally for safety purposes so we are reluctant to make major changes.
"They were switched on last night - three days ahead of schedule - and of course we will monitor their performance."
He said the reduction in accidents saved about £300,000 to the local economy per year.
But businesses claim they are losing a similar amount of money due to delays.
Hugh Slavin, who works at the nearby Nuffield industrial estate, said they "double or triple" the time that it takes to get round.
He estimated sitting in traffic cost him a week of his working life every year.