Traffic lights to change for buses in town centre
Buses of SomersetA smart traffic system which prioritises buses at traffic lights is being introduced in a town to encourage more people to use public transport.
Somerset Council is introducing the "innovative new system" along East Reach, in Taunton, linking oncoming buses with the signals, enabling the lights to change and allow them through.
Councillor Richard Wilkins said the system will be "hugely important in terms of improving bus journey times".
Work is due to begin on 24 March.
The project is part of Somerset's Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), aimed at improving travel times for passengers and helping operators avoid delays.
Work will be carried out in phases at three sets of lights on East Reach between the 24 March – 16 April.
There will be some lane closures between 18.00 and 23.00 GMT while work is undertaken under temporary lights.
Two-way traffic will be maintained during the day.
The initial work is scheduled to take place at the following locations:
- South Street / East Reach Junction: 24 March – 8 April.
- Haydon Rd / East reach junction Civils Works: 1 April – 9 April
- Victoria Gate Junction Civils Works: 10 April -16 April
Mr Wilkins, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said they want more people to bus it to work, the shops, school and education sites, as well as use them for leisure.
"We want buses to have priority when it comes to navigating through town, so bus users can feel real benefits in taking a more sustainable travel option," he added.
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