Traffic lights at a busy roundabout in Kesgrave will be switched off for good after a traffic light trial reduced traffic build up by more than half.

The Ropes Drive West traffic lights connecting the Grange Farm estate in Kesgrave to the A1214 is a major junction for the town, as well as providing one of the main routes between Ipswich and Martlesham.

In November, a two week trial switch-off of the traffic lights began following a week of monitoring existing traffic at the junction.

The trial was extended into the New Year after motorists reported a vast improvement in traffic flow, with 90% of participants in our online poll believing traffic was better in the area.

Now in light of the improvements, councillors have announced the switch-off will become permanent – with the hope of work beginning before the summer.

Suffolk county councillor for Kesgrave, Robert Whiting, said: “The trial has proven to be a great success, vastly reducing queuing traffic in the area.

“I look forward to the works being carried out as soon as possible. I’d like to thank everyone who has given their views as part of the trial and to all road users who coped with the changes to the junction extremely well.”

Data from the cameras set up to monitor travel flow revealed that an average 54% reduction in queues was noted – cutting tailbacks by more than half.

A plan of works will now be drawn up by the Highways Agency, with councillors hopeful work can begin before the summer.

The trial, funded by Suffolk county councillors Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson, and Kesgrave Town Council, follows a similar test in 2008 at the Ropes Drive East roundabout, which prompted the lights to be permanently removed from there.