Council turns off traffic lights in Reading

The lights were switched off on a trial basis after a safety audit

Traffic lights have been switched off at a main road junction in Reading town centre in an effort to reduce congestion.

Signals at Jackson's Corner, on the Kings Road junction with Duke Street and High Street, have been switched off on an experimental basis.

Reading Borough Council ordered a review of all its light controlled junctions earlier this year.

The council said improvements could be made at 20 junctions in the town.

The lights were switched off after a safety audit and the junction will be monitored to find out whether the trial is effective.

The borough's transport councillor Richard Willis said: "This is just the first of a series of changes that will follow from the review of traffic lighted junctions.

"Safety has to be the council's top priority but improving traffic flows for all road users is also key to making the town attractive to residents and visitors.

"I look forward to seeing many more junctions improved by the removal of traffic lights."