MOTORISTS are celebrating after highways chiefs stumbled across a way to improve traffic flow -- in a roundabout way!

Traffic lights at the junctions of St Thomas's Road and Market Street together with those at Union Street and Park Road are to be removed after councillors realised that traffic flowed more safely and quickly when the lights were not working.

The amazing discovery was made when the lights were out of action due to a breakdown.

Alan Capstick, of Chorley Borough Council's engineering and transportation unit, admitted the lights' failure had been a "blessing in disguise" for motorists who noted less congestion and easier traffic flow when the lights were switched off for more than three days in July 2003.

The traffic lights will be replaced with mini-roundabouts within the next three months and zebra crossings will be placed at the two locations to aid pedestrian access.

He said: "Our plans are well advanced and are just waiting for county council approval.

"The scheme will help traffic flow and comply with our objectives of supporting pedestrian and cycle access."

It is hoped the removal of the lights will ease traffic build up on Union Street and stop the use of nearby residential streets by motorists seeking a short cut.

Councillor Peter Malpas, who first observed the improvements, said: "Last year I questioned what purpose the traffic lights at these junctions served when, after three days out of action, traffic flowed safely, smoothly and without delay.

"I'm very pleased that these lights are to go and should help remove the apparent need of motorists to use Queen's Road as a rat run. I hope this will help the long suffering residents."

Councillor Terry Brown, a member of the Town Centre Forum, said: "The lights will be removed. and this should particularly ease traffic congestion from the east to west of Chorley, especially on Union Street, which during rush hour periods is sometimes backed-up all the way to the bypass."