AN INNOVATIVE scheme to cut down on congestion on the M53 near Ellesmere Port has begun.

Plans to install intelligent traffic lights at Junction 10 near Little Stanney started on Monday.

The signals, known as MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) lights, contain a computer chip that can assess the length of queues, and number of vehicles, on the road at any given time.

They will replace the existing signals which operate on a timer system where drivers are given the green light periodically every few minutes.

The new lights are much more responsive, meaning drivers will spend less time sitting waiting and more time on the m ove.

Engineers are installing the new system as part of a £200,000 project.

It will significantly reduce congestion on the busy slip road by keeping traffic moving smoothly on the A5117 roundabout at the bottom of the Junction 10 slip road.

The road will also be resurfaced with a new anti-skid material and new road markings will be fitted.

Highways Agency project manager Sujad Hussain said: 'We are committed to reducing congestion on the roads and this distinctive system of lights will help that by enabling this junction to operate much more efficiently in the future.

'In doing so it will also cut queues of traffic for drivers from all approaches.'

A 500m section of the southbound slip road is closed evry night until the work is completed, which should be by the end of this week.

The inside lane of the A5117 roundabout will also be closed for this period, with further lane closures on the roundabout during off-peak, day-time hours.

Diversion routes for drivers will be clearly signposted with traffic wanting to use Junction 10 being taken via Junction 9 of the M53 onto the A5032.