Transport chiefs have been urged to axe new traffic lights at the Dome roundabout as frustrated motorists face tailbacks.

Motorists have been stuck in traffic jams around the Dome after the new signals - brought in to give increased protection to pedestrians and cyclists - were switched on last week.

It has been labelled the ‘disaster of the Dome’, with more than 350 people signing a Liberal Democrat petition for Hertfordshire County Council to turn off the lights permanently.

James Prichard took to Twitter to say the situation was “chaos” and Harry Davies posted the queues were “worse than ever”.

In an open letter to County Hall chiefs, Mayor Dorothy Thornhill highlighted the scale of the delays. She said: “At 9.15am on Friday it stretched from the Dome to Coates Way.

“On Thursday at 2.30pm it was along the A41 as far as the Ashfield junction. On Sunday it stretched to Garston Lane at 3pm - not even peak times, so there is a real problem here.

“I expect the county council to act to stop this mayhem. It is causing unnecessary congestion, pollution and massive delays that could affect our economy.

“While pedestrian and cyclists safety is paramount, it should be possible to stop traffic only when it’s really necessary so we can have a safe free flowing junction.”

The Lib Dem Mayor’s concerns were echoed by Labour Councillor Matt Turmaine, who has called for change.

He said: “It definitely seems that there is more traffic queueing now than when the lights were out.

“While it's vital that pedestrians and cyclists are properly accommodated at the Dome, it does seem as if something has gone woefully wrong with the new system.

“A better system of traffic regulation at this roundabout is clearly required but I expect we will have to wait longer than the current queues for it is delivered.”

County Hall said it was monitoring traffic flow and pledged to make amendments to the timing of the lights if required.

It added: “However, we have to balance the needs of motorists with the needs and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.”