Hopes have been dashed that the Stockbury roundabout traffic lights will be removed.

MP Gordon Henderson has been leading calls to scrap the lights after a recent accident left them broken.

He has noticed traffic has been flowing better and the usual tailbacks aren’t happening.

But the Highway Agency has responded, saying a survey has shown no difference at all.

The signal control box, which manages the phasing of the lights, was damaged when a lorry smashed into it on June 22.

Mr Henderson has written to the Highways Agency asking them to look into the situation.

He said: “As a regular user of the A249 I have been struck by the noticeable improvement in traffic flow. I’ve asked for an assessment to be undertaken to see if they believe traffic lights are required at that junction.

“I’ve also asked that should they come to the conclusion they are still needed, I want assurances they would introduce camera- operated lights so the main flow of traffic takes priority.”

In response, a Highways Agency spokesman said: “It may have appeared traffic flow improved without the signals, but our surveys showed that journey times through the junction were virtually unchanged.

“Furthermore the lack of clear priorities was resulting in inappropriate speed, aggressive driving and near misses.”

Mr Henderson views have been shared by users of our Facebook group.

Chris Spree, who lives in Stockbury but runs a business in Castle Road, Sittingbourne, said: “A number of my staff use that stretch of road and we’ve all said it’s improved since the lights have been out.”

Highways Agency workers were due to start work yesterday (Thursday) to repair the lights.