Council urges completion of Belmont roundabout works

Herefordshire Council is seeking assurances from the Highways Agency and contractors working for Asda that much-needed road sensor loops are being installed at the new Belmont roundabout in preparation for connection with the city's urban traffic control system.
 
The SCOOT (split cycle and offset optimisation technique) computer system detects vehicles as they pass through signalled junctions in Hereford and sets appropriate traffic lights timing, minute by minute, to maximise vehicle movements through the city.

But it cannot be linked to the Belmont traffic signals until the sensor loops are installed, which was the responsibility of the contractors, who work for Asda.
 
"Asda wanted to open its doors to the public before its contractors had finished the job," said Cllr Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation.

"The traffic lights were installed with a timer fitted and without the necessary system to operate the lights according to demand and without proper synchronisation.

“This means traffic problems were exacerbated more than they needed to be, and indeed will continue until the sensors are installed and the SCOOT system connected to Belmont".
 
The work at Belmont is overseen by the Highways Agency, which manages the UK's trunk road network and is in complete control of works on the A49, A465 and the Greyfriars Bridge. The council has no jurisdiction over the Highways Agency.
 
Herefordshire Council is not the client for the construction of the new Belmont road system and is therefore not in a position to impose penalty clauses or sanctions but is monitoring the situation closely and seeking assurances that the work will fulfil the original objectives of the scheme.
 
A decision to grant planning permission was made in 2003 after the Highways Agency was consulted.

The Agency had the power to direct the Council to refuse the application on traffic grounds, but opted not to do so. The proposal was also passed to Government Office (West Midlands) which decided to let the proposal proceed.

When fully operation, the junction should provide additional capacity, however, the Highways Agency decided on the specification of the works to be carried out, not the Council.