Watford's elected mayor is petitioning the "very reluctant" county council to permanently switch off the traffic lights at the Dome Roundabout.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said turning the lights off during the current work on cycle lanes has improved traffic flow in the area.

She said: "While pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety is paramount, I believe both needs can be met.

"It should be possible to stop traffic only when it’s really necessary, so that we can have a safe, free-flowing junction.

"I am grateful that county councillor Derek Scudder has followed this up and discussed keeping the lights off with county councillors.

"However, it seems that they are very reluctant to do so - even though the benefits are clear.

"That's why I have launched a petition to call for suggested solutions to be properly examined. A petition will force county officers to look into this.

"There are clear traffic benefits and I believe we can balance a free-flowing junction with road safety for pedestrians and cyclists."

Watford's Liberal Democrat councillors have also backed the new petition.

Meriden and Tudor Liberal Democrat county councillor Kareen Hastrick said: "The lights were put in so that pedestrians and cyclists could cross safely, but the effect is to hold up traffic even when there is nobody crossing.

"This has meant traffic congestion, not just there, but on other roads across a wide area."

The mayor's petition reads: "We call on Herts County Council to investigate turning off the traffic lights at the Dome Roundabout, while ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists can cross safely."

The petition can be accessed via www.watfordlibdems.org/dome_roundabout.