The county council is "seriously thinking" about removing the traffic lights at Watford’s Dome roundabout - but it won’t be anytime soon.

However, new software is being installed in the signals that will use real-time data and adjust according to surrounding traffic queues, pedestrians and cyclists.

Hertfordshire County Council said the new system should improve traffic flow around the roundabout.

But Watford Borough councillor Derek Scudder said he has been told by the Herts Highways team that they will "look into the possibility of switching all the lights off apart from the pedestrian controlled lights" - once the system is back up and running at the end of March.

Councillor Scudder, who represents Stanborough, and is also county councillor for Stanborough and Woodside, said: "I got a cautious but positive response.

"I know they are giving removal of the lights some serious thought. They are serious about looking into that possibility.

"I will be pushing for an answer as soon as the current work at the roundabout is finished."

The lights were turned off as part of improvement works to aid cyclists using the north Watford roundabout, but the switch-off has resulted in a surprisingly easier and faster traffic flow through the town.

But Hertfordshire County Council has continued with its original schedule of work - despite a petition backed by Watford politicians and signed by hundreds of motorists - because of concerns for pedestrian safety.

Spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council, Andrew Dawson, said the situation would continue to be monitored after the lights were back in place.

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

Mr Dawson continued that the new software installed in the traffic lights should help cut down on congestion from the Dome.

He said the new timings at the Dome traffic lights would take into account the length of traffic queues at each stop.

He said: "The lights will be fitted with a new type of software called multi-node SCOOT which adjusts the timings of the signal using real-time data on surrounding traffic queue lengths, cyclists and pedestrians.

"This should improve traffic flows around the roundabout."