Traffic lights around a problematic roundabout could be completely overhauled after a petition calling for changes to their operation was submitted.

Drivers using the roads surrounding the Dome Roundabout in Watford often endure heavy congestion during peak times, and a number of suggestions have been put forward over the years to remedy the issue.

Liberal Democrat campaigners began a petition back in July requesting the traffic lights at the roundabout be made active only when required by pedestrians, therefore making it a “free-flowing junction”, and have now collected more than 500 signatures. 

Ian Stotesbury, who ran as the Liberal Democrat candidate at this year's General Election, said: "I started the petition because this is a big issue for local residents who are fed up of long delays at the Dome.

"Like me, many residents I've spoken to in the North Watford area think the county council has not done enough to ease traffic congestion here.

"I want to thank the hundreds of local residents who have signed our petition, and I'd also like to thank those residents who have made positive suggestions as to how traffic flow can be improved whilst still allowing pedestrians to cross the road safely."

Cllr Asif Khan says traffic backed up beyond Beechwood Rise and Sandringham Road is a common sight, causing “constant delays and much air pollution”.

“A proper investigation on how to improve these lights, as well as ensuring the safety of pedestrians, is paramount,” he said.

“I welcome the report from Herts highways which gives a balanced and practical way to work to solve the traffic problems around the Dome Roundabout.  

“The issue isn’t simply about the Dome Roundabout lights; it is also about the phasing of the lights leading up to them, in particular the Longspring, Bushey Mill Lane and St Albans Road lights, as well as the lights by Asda, which cause delays and frustration for drivers."

He also described plans in some quarters to remove the lights altogether as “ludicrous”.

The petition, which calls for a review of the Dome and surrounding roads to “improve traffic flow and public safety”, will be presented and debated at a meeting of the highways cabinet panel at the county council’s Hertford base on Tuesday, September 5.

However highways officers have recommended that no major redesign of the junction be undertaken at present, although such a project should be considered if any future major redevelopment proposals come forward for the area.

They also suggest traffic signals controlled with integrated pedestrian and cycle crossings be maintained at the roundabout but advised that a review of the signal functionality should be carried out.

Signals engineers paid two visits to the roundabout earlier this month, reporting a number of faulty loops on St Albans Road. Some were fixed at the time while others were scheduled for repair.