ROADS bosses have come under fire for plans to install traffic lights near a busy level crossing at Totton.

Critics claim the lights would increase congestion caused by the Junction Road gates, which are closed to traffic for a total of 20 minutes every hour.

Long tailbacks build up in the town centre every time the barriers come down.

However, the county council is thinking of installing lights at nearby Batts Corner under plans to give the Rumbridge Street area a major facelift.

Hythe county councillor Brian Dash said the lights scheme was criticised by residents at a public exhibition of the proposals.

As reported in the Daily Echo, highway chiefs are planning a number of improvements aimed at making Rumbridge Street safer and more attractive.

Cllr Dash said: "There seemed to be general approval of the plans - with the exception of proposals to incorporate traffic lights at Batts Corner.

"The lights would only encourage the build-up of traffic, which is already a problem with the closure of the nearby train gates."

Cllr Dash was full of praise for plans to replace a lorry park at the entrance to Rumbridge Street with an attractive landscaped area. He added: "The scheme represents a long-awaited improvement to an important part of Totton.

"There's a great deal more work to do, but this is a good start."

Edith Randall, Tory county councillor for Totton South, said there were no definite plans for the traffic lights.

She added: "The county council is concentrating on the entrance to Rumbridge Street from the A35.

"The lights are only a suggestion and have not yet been completely investigated."

The Rumbridge Street improvement scheme aims to cut traffic by five per cent.

Highway chiefs are also determined to prevent drivers flouting the 30mph speed limit as they come off the A35 and head for the town centre.

Engineers are planning to axe the slip lane leading off the A35 and redesign the junction.

A coloured surface will be laid at regular intervals along Rumbridge Street to remind drivers to slow down.

Work is expected to start later this month and should be finished by the end of May.