TRAFFIC lights along a busy road in Cheltenham will be switched off at the end of this month.
The lights along St Margaret's Road will be off from October 29 for a three-week trial in a bid to improve traffic flow in the area.
Feedback from members of the public suggested the current system does not work well because they are poorly coordinated and encourage a build-up of vehicles in St Paul's.
Cheltenham Borough Council is hoping this will improve traffic and pedestrian flow, and reduce the likelihood of motorists speeding to beat the lights.
Jeremy Williamson, managing director for Cheltenham Development Taskforce said: "We have known for a long time that motorists and pedestrians do not enjoy using this road as part of their journey.
"We fully welcome any opportunity to consider alternatives and this trial will be a good starting point for this.
"It will be interesting to see what the results are and this will guide a long-term solution for managing traffic in this area."
Chris Riley, highways manager for Gloucestershire Highways said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the borough council throughout this experiment and we are keen to see what lessons can be learned.
"We are committed to identifying the best possible traffic management solution for this complex stretch of road.''
Other towns, including Ashford, Portishead and Coventry have reported good results after removing traffic lights.
The trial will be monitored throughout by video recordings, daily inspections and police presence.
There will be temporary alternative routes for cyclists, with plans for new cycling paths in the pipeline.
A pedestrian crossing between the Brewery and NCP carpark will remain with additional central island crossing points.
The lights along St Margaret's Road will be off from October 29 for a three-week trial in a bid to improve traffic flow in the area.
Feedback from members of the public suggested the current system does not work well because they are poorly coordinated and encourage a build-up of vehicles in St Paul's.
Cheltenham Borough Council is hoping this will improve traffic and pedestrian flow, and reduce the likelihood of motorists speeding to beat the lights.
Jeremy Williamson, managing director for Cheltenham Development Taskforce said: "We have known for a long time that motorists and pedestrians do not enjoy using this road as part of their journey.
"We fully welcome any opportunity to consider alternatives and this trial will be a good starting point for this.
"It will be interesting to see what the results are and this will guide a long-term solution for managing traffic in this area."
Chris Riley, highways manager for Gloucestershire Highways said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the borough council throughout this experiment and we are keen to see what lessons can be learned.
"We are committed to identifying the best possible traffic management solution for this complex stretch of road.''
Other towns, including Ashford, Portishead and Coventry have reported good results after removing traffic lights.
The trial will be monitored throughout by video recordings, daily inspections and police presence.
There will be temporary alternative routes for cyclists, with plans for new cycling paths in the pipeline.
A pedestrian crossing between the Brewery and NCP carpark will remain with additional central island crossing points.
