CHANGES are to be made to the sequences of two sets of traffic lights in Hartlepool to increase traffic flow.

The works, which will be carried out over the next two Wednesdays, involve the Stockton Street/Victoria Road and Park Road/Waldon Street junctions.

The Stockton Street/Victoria Road lights will be altered so that traffic turning left out of Victoria Road will be able to move earlier, while the right turn filter for traffic turning into Victoria Road from Stockton Street is still active.

The Park Road/Waldon Street - the main car parks access - lights are to be modified in two ways - vehicles turning left out of the car parks will be able to leave earlier.

The right turn filter is active for vehicles turning into the car parks, and traffic turning left into the car parks will also be able to move earlier, whilst vehicles are leaving the car parks.

Peter Frost, Hartlepool Borough Council's traffic team leader, said: "Congestion is not a major problem in Hartlepool at most times of the day, but that shouldn't stop us from looking for new ways of speeding up traffic flow wherever possible.

"These changes, although fairly minor, should help us to achieve that.

"The affected lights will have to be switched off for limited periods, and I would urge drivers to take extra care at these times.

"I'd also ask pedestrians to take care, particularly when crossing at the bottom of Victoria Road.

"This is an uncontrolled crossing point.

"Pedestrians could be caught unawares by traffic moving off earlier than has previously been the case.

"Warning signs are to be put up to remind both motorists and pedestrians of the changes."