Updated: Southampton City Council will issue SGN a fixed penalty notice after faulty traffic lights caused widespread congestion on the first day of two scheduled weeks of "essential gas works" on Woodmill Lane.
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As reported, multi-way traffic lights have been installed near the two mini roundabouts linking Woodmill Lane with Manor Farm Road and Forest Hills Drive.
The council said that the temporary lights were only supposed to be in operation from 9.30am - 3.30pm during the works, and at all other times taken down.
Members of the public even took matters into their own hands and were apparently depicted in a social media video yesterday moving bollards out of the way of eastbound traffic to ease flow.
In a statement the council said:
“A review of this scheme has taken place this morning and we have two main issues that caused the traffic build up last night.
1. The lights did get ‘stuck’ on red which caused the traffic to build up and grind the area to a halt in places. With most temporary lights being battery powered this can happen - Moving forward, there will be a presence on site from SGN throughout their works to ensure that batteries are regularly changed to avoid incidents that we experienced last night.
2. SGN were instructed to have the lights in operation between 0930 – 1530 each day during their works (all other times taken down). This was not followed yesterday and SGN will be receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice...”
The council said it would have inspectors on site at 3.30pm on Tuesday (Jan 21) to ensure the lights have been taken down.
Waseem Hanif, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, told bitternepark.info: "We’re carrying out important maintenance to our gas network in Woodmill Lane, Southampton.
"We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused on Monday night. We have since engaged with our contractors to ensure the lights are taken down promptly by 3.30pm every day. We will also be monitoring our lights throughout their operation, from 9.30am to 3.30pm to minimise the inconvenience as much as possible.
"All going well, we hope to complete this essential work by Friday 24 January."
Updated 22/1 with comment from SGN