DESPITE the Huntworth roundabout opening fully to traffic after months of chaos, concerns are still being raised over its operation.

The £2.9milliom improvements began back in October 2015 and aimed to increase traffic capacity and ease future congestion on the Taunton Road and M5 access.

Somerset County Council had previously stated that the work should be completed before the end of May this year, but was only finished last week.

Councillor Leigh Redman wrote to Somerset County Council Highways, raising residents' issues with the road markings, lanes and traffic lights.

A council spokesman responded, and said: "The performance of the junction including the phasing of the lights has been kept under review by a signal engineer on a number of occasions since the lights were switched on, namely, all day Friday and most of Saturday, as well as during the peak hours on Monday morning.

"During these periods adjustments have been made to the timings and sequencing of the lights

"The issue of vehicles not stopping on the roundabout internal stop line has been noted, but the reason for this happening is not entirely clear.

"I have arranged for additional temporary ‘Stop When Red Light Shows’ to be erected at the roundabout internal stop line.

"The performance of the junction will continue to be monitored and the sequencing of the lights on the approach from North Petherton will be reviewed to see if there is an alternative sequencing arrangement which would minimise the risk associated with drivers passing through the roundabout internal stop line on the approach from North Petherton.

"An internal meeting with the signals engineer has been planned, following which I will advise you of any conclusions and outcomes from that meeting."

North Petherton town councillor, Helen Phillips, stated that the signal timings aren't right.

She said: "While it's great the constructors are now away, having completed their works before the summer holidays as promised, there are obviously some serious teething problems.

"Drivers and Somerset County Council Highways will need to be watching how they go as the signal timings aren't quite right and the signs and road markings are new and clearly not understood- perhaps not quite right yet.

"The council have been notified, although I imagine they are already watching closely and hopefully will act swiftly to ensure the safe introduction of this major new layout.

"We've waited patiently during months of works, this busy junction needs to be right and we hope it soon will be."

One motorist added: "I nearly got squashed by a coach as they went straight through the red lights on the roundabout- a bit scary."