Roundabout with 36 traffic lights branded ‘ridiculous’ by drivers and residents

People in Cambridge have hit out at a ‘ridiculous’ new city centre roundabout that features no less than 36 traffic lights.

Drivers and residents say the ‘signalised’ roundabout, introduced on Tuesday, causes more traffic problems than before.

This includes cars having to wait a long time at the lights, even when the roads aren’t busy.

Writing on Reddit, one local said: ‘There was long queue of cars standing on idle because the red light is there for an incredible long time while there is zero traffic on the roundabout itself.

‘Besides, don’t traffic lights defeat the purpose of a roundabout?”

Another added: ‘It is ridiculous, I have lived here for over 20 years right near the roundabout.

‘Cars are now unnecessarily stopped and sirens from emergency vehicles due to the lights late at night.

‘I struggled to get out my driveway as no one wanted to let me out due to having to queue up themselves.’

The roundabout, at the junction of Milton Road and Elizabeth Way, also has a rare sparrow crossing which keeps pedestrians and cyclists separate as they cross the road.

The changes form part of the Milton Road Improvement Scheme which the Great Cambridge Partnership (GCP) said cost £31.9m.

A GCP spokesperson said: ‘The roundabout itself and the surrounding layout has changed slightly to ensure everyone can move freely and securely in buses, cars, on bicycles, wheels or on foot.

‘We would like to thank everyone who helped with making the roundabout a reality.’

Last month, we reported on new AI traffic lights that give cyclists priority.

The technology, which is being trialled in Birmingham, detects bikes up to 30m away from a junction, turning the traffic light green for the cyclist to cross the road and red for oncoming traffic.

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