A petition calling for the removal of traffic lights at two Penrith roundabouts has been set up by residents “exasperated” by gridlock around the town on Friday afternoons.
The move follows an even more gridlocked than usual afternoon on 27th October following a collision between two vehicles on the A66 at Troutbeck. The incident, which closed the A66, occurred at around 1-20pm and a passenger from one of the vehicles was taken to hospital with suspected rib injuries.
“We were made aware that the road was reopened at 4-40pm,” said a police spokesman.
Local resident Anne Reynolds said it took her 45 minutes to get from Eamont Bridge to the motorway late on Friday afternoon.
A change.org petition to eliminate traffic signals at Kemplay Bank and Skirsgill roundabouts has been started by Ruben Atkinson.
“We, the residents of Penrith, are exasperated by the constant traffic congestion that plagues our town, particularly on Fridays. The gridlocked roads on the A66, M6 and throughout Penrith have become a frustrating norm for us all. It’s clear to see that traffic flows significantly better when the lights are off — there are zero queues on the M6, A66, Haweswater Road and even Ullswater Road,” states the petition.
“The decision to install signalling systems at Kemplay Bank and Skirsgill roundabouts has proven to be ineffective in managing traffic flow. Instead of alleviating congestion issues as intended, these signals have exacerbated them. This is not just an inconvenience; it impacts our quality of life.”
