Closed
Signal timings do not appear correct
Reported via desktop in the Traffic lights (NH) category anonymously at 11:59, Fri 20 August 2021
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 2947853.
I have used this junction twice in a week, today at 1130 and Monday 16th August at 4pm. On both occasions the timings on the roundabout have not been correct and resulted in standing traffic on the inside of the roundabout and on all approaches. Today on the EB approach to the roundabout from the A66, I have waited over 20 mins to access the inside lane of the roundabout from the A66. Would suggest that this is looked at ASAP as there is also standing traffic on the SB M6 off slip which is queuing now on the live M6 slow lane
Updates
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Thank you for your report about issues with congestion and queuing traffic on the A66, which is impacting journeys on Mondays and Fridays in particular. Highways England manage and maintain the A66 and are aware of congestion around the Skirsgill Interchange (M6 Junction 40) and Kemplay Bank roundabout in Penrith. We are aware of these reoccurring traffic issues in and around Penrith throughout the summer months, which aren’t caused by any one particular fault, but the amount of traffic passing through the area. The situation is exacerbated when drivers become impatient and jump the red lights, or if there are a lot of heavy goods vehicles on the roundabouts. As the lights turn to amber the last few vehicles don’t come to a stop, this means that when they join the queue at the next set of lights they are blocking the exit points for traffic already on the roundabout and the entry points for those waiting to join. When the area is busy this causes grid lock. The roundabouts are designed to accommodate full-time traffic lights. The current full-time arrangement smooths the movement of traffic through the junction throughout the day, while providing enough time for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the various roads under the protection of a red signal. The traffic light system is intended to detect the amount of traffic on each of the approach roads, and automatically adjust the amount of ‘green time’ to each to make sure the junction operates efficiently. There may be scope to refine the operation of these traffic lights further, and we will investigate this to ensure they are running optimally. We also need to consider the safety of motorists using the roundabout. There is a risk that part-time traffic lights can be confusing to motorists, as they are not always aware if they are switched on. This is backed up by studies that have shown that part-time traffic lights at roundabouts lead to a slightly lower accident rate while the signals are operating, but the accident rate can rise significantly when they are switched off. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project will impact the operation of Skirsgill Interchange and Kemplay Bank. The improvement works will reduce delays and queues during busy periods and improve the performance of key junctions such as the A66/A6 and the M6 Junction 40. More information on this project can be found on our webpage - https://highwaysengland.co.uk/ our-work/ a66-northern-trans-pennine/ .
State changed to: Closed
Posted anonymously at 10:19, Thu 2 September 2021
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.