NO ONE who has driven in Hounslow can have escaped the queues at seemingly pointless traffic lights.
But Transport for London (TfL) says it may have the answer to the hold-ups - the removal of 145 lights across the capital, including some at junctions in Hounslow, Isleworth and Brentford.
TfL says three areas in the borough where traffic lights have 'no real purpose' are in Brentford High Street near Brentford Lock, in Twickenham Road near Townfield Way, and in Whitton Road by Hanworth Terrace, where there is also a pedestrian crossing with lights.
Transport chiefs say they can cut stop-start delays at each site by an average of six per cent by removing traffic lights.
A TfL spokeswoman said: "Unnecessary traffic signals can impede the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
"Many signals have been in place for 20 years or more, during which time changes in the way roads are used may have left some of them with no real purpose."
Signals will undergo a strict safety assessment before their removal, to ensure there will be no adverse impact on pedestrians or drivers.
The Mayor of London's transport adviser, Kulveer Ranger, said: "There are few things more annoying than sitting at a traffic light on red for no apparent reason.
"By getting rid of them, we hope we can smooth traffic flow across London."
TfL reviewed 1,003 sets of lights across the capital last year.
It is now consulting councils on whether they should be removed or replaced with alter-native traffic controls.
A Hounslow Council spokesman said: "We are working with TfL and considering the feasibility of these suggestions, along with the needs of all road users in the borough.
"There are three sites currently under consideration. Changes will not be made unless we're satisfied that safety standards are met."
