Lost in the Lanes: The Hartlepool Roundabout That Nobody Understands...
- teessidetoday
- Dec 17, 2025
- 2 min read
'Roundabout Madness' on A Hartlepool Road, as many motorists claim they simply do not understand the new road layout of a supposedly "improved" roundabout causing huge delays at peak times.
17th December 2025
A growing number of motorists are calling on Hartlepool Borough Council to reverse recent changes to roundabout, following widespread frustration over the installation of a traffic light system that many say has brought daily gridlock to the area.
A public petition has now been launched, demanding the removal of the traffic lights at the roundabout on Easington Road, between West View Road, and a return to the junction’s former layout.
“From free-flowing to full stop”
Before the roadworks commenced which reportedly lasted around eight weeks, motorists say the roundabout functioned efficiently, even during peak hours. Traffic flowed freely, queues were minimal, and journeys through the area were largely predictable and stress-free.
However, since the introduction of the traffic lights, motorists claim a very different experience has now emerged, where what was once a straightforward route has, now become an “ongoing traffic jam,” at peak times, marked by constant stop-start driving and motorists seemingly 'confused' about the new lane system causing lengthy delays & numerous 'near miss accidents'...
Motorists regularly using the junction to drive in and out of Hartlepool have branded the new layout “a nightmare,” citing congestion at times of day when traffic previously moved without issue under the previous layout.
The junction is one of Hartlepool’s key transport links, carrying thousands of vehicles each day in and out of the town and serving local residents, commuters, and businesses. Petitioners argue that there was no compelling need to interfere with a roundabout that was already operating effectively.
“No significant congestion issues were being reported before the lights were installed,” the petition states, raising questions about why the changes were made in the first place.
Beyond inconvenience, Hartlepool Borough Council claims the improvement to the junction was made due to the need for a pedestrian link between Bishop Cuthbert, Clavering, West View & King Oswy Areas of the town. However those against the so called 'improvements' claim the new roundabout is causing traffic 'chaos' and pushing traffic onto other areas of the town as motorists try to avoid the peak time congestion the new junction is causing.
A call to restore common sense
The solution proposed by the petitioner is to remove the traffic lights and allow the roundabout to operate as it did before. Its claimed this would immediately ease congestion, reduce emissions, cut unnecessary costs, as well as restoring confidence in local traffic management decisions.
If the petition reaches the 1,000-signature threshold, councillors may be required to debate the issue at a public meeting, which, or many commuters, the discussion couldn't come soon enough.
Petition Link
