Concerns over the operation of the Woodmill bridge traffic lights are continuing to be raised by residents, with Bitterne Park councillor Phil Webb (Lab) saying he is progressing the issue with council officers.

Summarising online reports received over the past six months, Webb said residents had highlighted concerns including the timing of the signals, the interaction with the pedestrian crossing, inconsistent operation, congestion on surrounding roads and safety.

He said there appeared to be widespread public concern that the current signal operation was contributing to congestion and driver frustration, while acknowledging motorway works, other roadworks and increased through traffic were also likely to be exacerbating delays.

Residents commenting on the issue offered a range of views, including blaming the pedestrian crossing immediately before the junction when travelling westbound, suggesting it be replaced with a zebra crossing, saying this would “eliminate a lot of the issues”, and commenting that the traffic lights appeared to prioritise traffic flow differently depending on the time of day.

Before the traffic lights were installed, then Test Green candidate and now Portswood ward Green councillor Kat Barbour said she would be "puffing mad" if a puffin crossing was introduced, arguing it would not benefit walkers, cyclists or drivers "but will just add to the snarl ups and frustration".

The bridge traffic signals became operational in February 2020, and are understood to have cost around £250,000.