The lights at the Dome Roundabout will be turned back on as planned despite dramatically improved traffic flow through Watford as a result of the switch off.

The temporary removal of the traffic lights to accommodate roadworks at the roundabout earlier this month has resulted in 20-minute shorter journey times through the town.

Hundreds of motorists are now petitioning for the lights to be permanently turned off - but their pleas could not sway Hertfordshire County Council and the lights will be reinstated by the end of March.

Highways said it needs to balance the needs of car users with the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

But Watford's top politicians are gearing up for a fight, with the Mayor's office campaigning for an initial feasibility study and Watford's MP canvassing residents opinions.

Deputy Mayor and representative for Stanborough ward, Derek Scudder, said county had told him the move would require significant costly assessment and was not possible at this time.

He said: "I have written to the cabinet member at county council suggesting it would be worth doing an initial feasibility study to see what's needed to do this.

"The benefits it's had to the traffic movement around the roundabout and the knock-on effects at surrounding roads would seem to make this worthwhile.

"If pedestrians can be protected, I think these lights should be turned off."

Watford MP Richard Harrington is currently canvassing the views of residents, which he will be passing on in his next meeting with the Highways department.

He said: "I have personally noticed a significant improvement to the traffic flow on St Albans Road, which we all know can be a nightmare at times.

"Residents of Bushey Mill Lane and other roads have also said they have seen improvements, so there has been a wider knock on effect in Watford.

"A lot of people are calling for the lights to be kept off because of the improvements we have seen, and there has also been mention of zebra crossings, box junctions, clearer markings, and even a pedestrian subway.

"I will ask Highways to consider what possibilities there may be moving forward to keep the traffic flowing much better, while ensuring safe crossing for pedestrians.

"I am open minded on this at the moment, and remain keen to hear people’s views on this."

Hertfordshire County Council is carrying out the improvement work at the Dome to widen the pavement around the roundabout to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists and change the traffic lights to include a phase for cyclists.

Spokesman Andrew Dawson said: "We appreciate that motorists have seen a slight improvement in their journey times while the traffic lights are not in operation, and acknowledge the various views from the public about this site.

"However, we have to balance the needs of motorists with the needs and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

"Turning off the signals permanently would cause problems for pedestrians and cyclists trying to cross the roundabout.

"We will therefore be turning the traffic signals on again when the work to upgrade the crossing points is complete, which is expected to be in late March.

"We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the best solution for all road users."