Councillors in Guiseley and Rawdon ward are welcoming new technology which will improve safety on two roads in their ward.

‘MOVA’ (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) control is being introduced on Kirk Lane and Dibb Lane at a cost of £19,000.

The system, for the control of traffic light signals, aims to improve safety and efficiency by reducing accidents at signals on high-speed roads.

Leeds City Council has chosen five sites around the city for the system to be put in place.

Among those is a £24,000 scheme for the A61 Harrogate Road and A659 Harewood Avenue.

A council report said the chosen sites suffered from “significant congestion and delays”.

A sixth site – the A658 Harrogate Road/Bayton Lane was found to have “little cost benefit due to the high cost of the additional ducting needed to provide the appropriate loops on all the approaches.”

Coun Graham Latty said: “Guiseley and Rawdon has been subject to considerable housing development over the past few years, and this has hugely increased the traffic on our roads. This system decreases accidents at signals on high speed roads, as well as helping to reduce congestion on our roads at busy times, and so should improve conditions for all road users.”

Coun Paul Wadsworth said: “MOVA systems have been used throughout the UK for over 30 years, so I am very pleased that Guiseley and Rawdon will be adding to its existing MOVA signals to improve congestion in the area. I am sure further investment will allow easier access for traffic exiting Kirk Lane, and improve traffic flow on the A65. I am pleased to support the plans, especially on the roads in Guiseley and Rawdon that can often be congested.”

Coun Pat Latty said: “The MOVA system is clever. If there are periods of high traffic, the system makes traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible. We all know what it’s like to be delayed on the way to work, and now, life will be easier.”