CONTROVERSIAL traffic lights may become permanent - despite claims they cause chaos at peak times.

Approval is being sought to erect full time traffic lights on Low Road, Whitehaven, but not all motorists support this move.

Cumbria County Council says feedback from the temporary lights has been positive, including from residents.

It is understood the scheme could cost around £150,000 - calls to widen the road would run into millions, it is claimed.

County councillors will discuss potential plans at a meeting in Cleator Moor tomorrow.

Wendy Skillicorn, county councillor for Kells and Sandwith, said: "I welcome the proposal, the feedback has generally been positive and the buses have been able to run better.

"We have some money in the Highways budget to cover the cost if it goes ahead, about £150,000 has been allocated, it all hinges on getting permission from the Department for Transport."

Residents pleaded with authorities to take action because their cars were being damaged by irresponsible drivers using the narrow road.

Subsequently, temporary traffic lights were put in place at either end of Meadow View in early 2015.

Motorist Chris de Cordova, from Cleator Moor, said: "Traffic backing up is a nightmare at peak times when people are leaving work. Traffic lights are not the right answer. 

"I think they should put double yellow lines down the road, or at least double yellow lines with passing places in between."

And one disgruntled St Bees mother, who uses Low Road daily, said she would not be happy if the lights became permanent. 

"It's chaos at peak times because there are long tailbacks and people are getting frustrated. There are times when you sit at the lights and yet there is no one waiting on the other side."

She added: "I'm sure there could be other ways to control traffic, like having no cars parked on the bend so that drivers can see what's coming. The lights should be removed and the parking problem sorted."

However, other drivers, including local residents, have been impressed by the temporary lights.

David Simpson, who lives at Meadow View, said: "It's a positive thing, we have seen a vast benefit with no road rage and residents' cars no longer being damaged.

"I've had neighbours whose cars have been damaged in the past and I can't see why any residents would oppose this."

And another daily user of Low Road said: "Although the traffic can back up at busy times, particularly when people are leaving Albion Square, the temporary lights have generally been an improvement."

While Copeland councillor, John Kane, said: "It cannot continue with temporary traffic lights, it would be more cost effective to have a permanent solution. The ideal situation would include widening the road so cars can park."

But Coun Skillicorn, vice chair for the County Council's local committee for Copeland, said: "We did look at widening the road but that would have cost millions of pounds, it would be impractical and wasn't feasible."

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said the signals were installed "in response to local safety concerns" and "have been well received by local residents".