NEW traffic lights are due to come into operation today at a Durham roundabout with the worst accident record in the county.

Since February, Durham County Council has been making £500,000 improvements to Milburngate roundabout, which is used by more than 40,000 vehicles a day.

Highway chiefs said the roundabout, near the city's main shopping areas, had the worst accident record of any junction in the county.

The improvement scheme has included re-shaping the roundabout, putting lights on all approaches to it and installing a bus lane. The traffic lights are expected to be switched on for the rush hour.

The council had expected the scheme, which has led to delays and tailbacks at peak periods, to be completed by Easter, but it is now likely to be towards the end of the month.

Chris Tunstall, the council's deputy chief executive, said: "Milburngate has had 37 personal injury accidents in the past four years with numerous damage-only collisions.

"The aim of the scheme is to improve conditions for all users, whether on foot or on two or four wheels.

"Because the scheme is new, it would be unusual if it did not take a little time to settle in and we'd ask all road users to bear with us during this running-in period.

"Drivers and pedestrians have been extremely patient during the work and we'd ask for everyone's goodwill for a little while longer.

"Work will continue in Milburngate on improvements for buses and this is likely to last another two to three weeks,'' he said.