SOME unruly leaves have been the cause of continuous traffic havoc near Peebles recently.

The temporary traffic lights at Neidpath Corner are a sore spot for many drivers who have complained they take too long to change from red to green.

Many have experienced long waits at red with no cars coming through, only to find that the same is happening at the other side.

Peter Smith, who uses the road every morning, said the lights “are a joke”.

He continued: “I have found that the lights can stay on red for a very long time although there are no cars coming through the other way.

“Many people think the lights have jammed on red, and are tempted to carry on through the lights and this could result in an accident. When you do eventually get through you can find a big line of cars waiting at the other lights.”

It isn’t just individuals that are having problems, but BARC Coach Hire have complained that the traffic lights are causing their services to run late.

And one cyclist is worried for his safety when passing the traffic lights.

“Apparently the time has been adjusted to allow cyclists through,” said Michael Adams. “However, as a cyclist it is now terrifying when you now have 10 maybe 20 cars come through to pass you when they are bunched together.

“If nothing is changed I think it will only be a matter of time before a cyclist is knocked off and injured. I can see the dangers over a dozen cars who are frustrated and trying to pass me.”

He added: “This morning, I counted 11 cars waiting to go through and as we passed the queue coming in the opposite direction I counted 16 cars... before the lights were installed I was lucky if I saw four or five cars travelling between Peebles and Blyth Bridge.”

However, Scottish Borders Council have assured drivers that the problem will be fixed...once some bushy branches have been cut back.

Apparently the slow change-time is caused by overgrown leaves obstructing the traffic light sensors. 

A council spokesperson said: “The operators of the traffic lights visited the site on Tuesday and identified that overhanging branches were causing an issue with the sensors.

“They moved the branches so they no longer obstructed the sensors, and contractors cut back the branches on Friday."