THE Kentish Express has launched a campaign to urge the Highways Agency to look again at the notoriously congested M20 Junction 10 roundabout at Ashford.

The newspaper has been inundated with letters from readers who say the roundabout now 'flows like a dream’ since the traffic lights were temporarily switched off for roadworks to be carried out.

So much so they see no reason why we need them back.

The newspaper put this to the Highways Agency who said getting rid of the lights is not being ruled out.

They confirmed that the lights will remain off until late June and that discussions were taking place about what will happen after that.

Highways Agency spokesman Lorraine Clark said: “We are looking at how we will take the lights forward with new technology.

“If we do go with putting the lights back in, we would look at them as an individual area which would be managed and monitored at a control point.

“We have similar lights at the Gatwick junction which allow us to react to traffic flows.”

Many motorists say they do not see the need for the lights to be reinstated.

Richard Beaugie, from Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, says his journeys have been greatly improved.

“I have lived here 45 years,” he said. “I knew this roundabout when it was a farm and it is running the best it ever has.

“We have a hang up about lights but people can use their common sense.

“People often jump the lights anyway because you know it will be a big wait. It can be quite intimidating because people are rushing to get through and then rushing when they turn green.

“Even if they just used the lights at peak times it wouldn’t be so bad.”

By signing the newspaper's petition, you can help put pressure on the Highways Agency to find a long-term solution to the congestion problems at the junction 10 roundabout.

You can sign online (by visiting www.kentonline.co.uk/junction10) or by going into the Kentish EXpress office at 34-36 North Street, Ashford.

We also want to hear your views on our website Speak Out section.