Plug pulled on new traffic lights

New traffic lights in a Lincolnshire town are to be switched off after complaints they caused congestion.

The lights, on a pedestrian crossing in Sleaford's market place, were only installed a month ago.

But motorists said the location and phasing of the crossing lights caused traffic to back up and at peak times could jam the entire area.

They will be turned off for a month while the effect on traffic and pedestrians is gauged.

The Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Barry Singleton, who represents Sleaford and Leasingham, said it was the logical decision.

"This was for a pedestrian crossing but the situation that developed from this traffic wise was very, very difficult for a lot of people coming into the town itself.

"We felt the only justifiable course was to switch them off and see what the reaction of the public and drivers was."