A TRIAL scheme to improve traffic flow in Flockton has been hailed a success.

Residents, councillors and highways officials are pleased with the effect that new traffic lights have had on the flow of cars through the village.

The lights were installed on Barnsley Road on May 26 for a three- month trial period.

Kirklees Council wants to extend the trial until the end of the year, to allow for further monitoring of the scheme.

The lights aimed to ease problems caused by thousands of commuters using Flockton's main road as a rat run between Huddersfield and the M1.

At two points the road narrows and cars can pass in one direction only.

Cars coming in from the M1 previously had priority, which meant cars heading to the motorway were stuck in long queues.

Now, the traffic lights allow vehicles travelling in both directions equal chance to get through Flockton.

Clr Mark Hemingway said: "I have found it a lot easier to get through."

Rita Paxton, caretaker at Flockton First School, said: "We have had nothing but good reports."

Kirklees Council's Kirkburton Area Committee will consider a progress report about the lights from environment and transportation service officials tomorrow.

The report says the speed of cars passing through Flockton has dropped by an average of 2mph.

On average, cars heading to the M1 go at 24mph while those coming from the motorway go at 28mph.

The report says residents are happy with the lights and measures taken to protect their access.

They also feel safer on the roads, although some are still concerned about visibility at the junction of Barnsley Road and Doctor Lane.

Transport officers plan to address this issue if a permanent installation of lights goes ahead. The lights are the first real measure installed on Barnsley Road since weight restrictions were added in 1971.

Since the 1950s, local people have been pressing the council to take action over congestion.

Plans for a bypass have been suggested several times, but have now been abandoned.