THE Highways Authority says congestion at Handy Cross has reduced since a new traffic signal system was implemented.

The agency installed the Split Cycle Optimisation Offset Technique (SCOOT) traffic system in February and believes it has improved traffic flow and reduced queuing traffic on the roundabout.

But it has acknowledged motorists travelling from Marlow Bottom to the roundabout via Wycombe Road are facing increased waiting times.

The agency said: “The project successfully improved traffic flow around this busy roundabout and has reduced the potential for queuing traffic on the A404 and M40 slip roads – which would be a real safety hazard due to the higher speed of traffic on those roads.

“We are aware that waiting times on Wycombe Road have increased during peak periods.

“We are continuing the monitor the operation of the signals and we are working closely with Transport for Buckinghamshire to identify available options while ensuring the safety of road users.”

The county council’s ward member for West Wycombe, Cllr Darren Hayday, has urged Marlow residents to share their experiences of their drive into Wycombe to press the agency into action.

He said: “Over the last few months, the traffic coming from Marlow Bottom has been really bad – a lot of people have complained.

“I would be interested to find out the experiences of Marlow residents as traffic modelling and computer modelling only tells you so much.”

The SCOOT system is designed to automatically adjust the traffic light signalling times by using sensors to read traffic flow.

The upgrade cost £160,000 as part of a national pinch point programme.