BUS lanes should be modified and sequential traffic signals used to improve traffic problems between Egglescliffe and Yarm.

New statistics indicate bus lanes along Yarm Road have alleviated some rush-hour problems, but blocked junctions, queue-jumping and commuter road-rage have become big problems on the route.

Stockton Council commissioned White Young Green to carry out a ten-month survey of traffic patterns and the results were discussed at Egglescliffe Parish Council.

Consultant Steven Wells reported of the ten-month survey of Yarm Road:

* Peak-time bus journeys had been reduced by 4mins and 3mins at other times.

* Car journeys were cut by min at peak-times with no change at other times.

* Accidents had fallen from four to three per year. Few were serious.

* Traffic speed had dropped by 9mph around Station Road, where there were speed cameras, and 1-2mph elsewhere.

* While traffic flow had generally risen, morning and evening rush-hour traffic out and in to Yarm had fallen.

* The so-called rat-run, had been eliminated along Croft Road and halved at South View.

* Traffic queues were slightly shorter between 5-6pm but similar at other times.

He said: "In one way, the accident reductions are disappointing. Stockton Council hoped for a sharper drop. However, it's really far too early to assess the trends. We'll have a better idea after three years.

"Bus operators feel the scheme has worked well and would like it extended. Bus passengers say they like it, but it's too early to say whether numbers have risen.

"The police have concerns about specific junctions and drivers who fail to observe bus lane operation times. There have been lots of road-rage incidents. The other emergency services are generally happy."

There had been 55 letters from residents, many complaining about bottle-necks and bad driving or seeking better pedestrian and cycling facilities.

The worst access problems were at the junctions of Butts Lane, Aislaby Road, South View and Muirfield Road. Motorists had difficulty moving between Yarm Road and minor roads.

Mr Wells thought better signs, alterations to existing lanes and extra sequential traffic lights would force cars and buses to merge alternately, rather than the chaotic and inconsiderate manner at present.

He also proposed bus lane operations times be expanded to 6.30 or 7pm, as the rush-hour actually lasted well over two hours.

Coun Dennis Summerell said removal vans parked on Yarm Road were hazardous and sent the bus lane system into chaos.

Coun Yvonne Blanchard added: " So do other vehicles and cyclists."

Coun Ian Bewley said 80 Yarm Road residents replied to the survey but perhaps more should be involved to validate the consultation, findings.

Coun Pete Andrew, who said the buses were running on schedule for the first time in years. He thought the bus lane should be extended to Preston Farm and Stockton.

Parish chairman Coun Lynda Vernon thanked Mr Wells but stressed that many people were still critical of the bus lanes and Stockton Council's consultation process. She asked for the parish's views to be formally recorded and that it receive all future papers on traffic matters