Workers to operate traffic lights after gridlock

Engineers will make any necessary manual adjustments to traffic lights near Gloucester Quays car park this weekend

A council has promised there will be less traffic in a city centre car park over the weekend after issues with traffic lights caused more than an hour-long gridlock.

The signals at Gloucester Quays multi-storey car park were on green for a short amount of time causing traffic chaos with shoppers trying to park and leave on 15 November.

Gloucestershire County Council, which operates the lights, said there will be an engineer on hand to make manual adjustments on Saturday and Sunday. The arrangement is expected to continue for the remaining weekends before Christmas.

Car Park operator Peel has been approached for comment.

Christmas Market trader Natalie Edwards said she is "anxious" visitors could be put off by the traffic.

"If the traffic light system works better, then hopefully it would be a smoother ride this weekend," she said.

"We invest a lot in attending these events and it's fantastic for small businesses to maximise this Christmas season.

"It would be such a shame if it had a knock-on effect for us."

'Help boost footfall'

Gloucester County Council's highways department said it has liaised with Gloucester Quays to have a traffic signals contractor provide a signal engineer on-site for the next five weekends leading up to Christmas.

"They will be available to make any necessary adjustments to the signal timings at the Baker Street car park exit, helping to ensure that all users and visitors can leave the area safely and in a timely manner during the busy festive period," it said.

A council spokesperson added they were "grateful to residents, businesses and visitors for their continued patience".

"The improvements to Southgate Street form a vital part of the Gloucester City Cycle Spine, which is designed to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in and around the city," they said.

"We believe these enhancements will help boost footfall and benefit local businesses in the long run."