VALE OF GLAMORGAN Council officials were celebrating the early completion of the first phase of work on a bus prioritisation scheme in Penarth this week - although work on the bus lane itself will not start until the new year.

Council cabinet members Cllr Geoff Cox, Cllr Jeffrey James, highways works manager Steve Bowen and principal highways engineer Michael Clogg took time out to pose next to a sign at the Merrie Harrier junction that heralds the early completion of part of the work.

As reported in last week's Penarth Times, motorists who have suffered long delays as a result of the roadworks have reacted angrily to the sign.

One Penarth Times reader said: "The Vale Council appear to be self congratulating themselves for finishing the job four weeks early - a half-finished job mind you, and one that did not need doing in the first place."

Work on the first phase of an eventual bus prioritisation scheme began at the junction in July.

The project involves the development of a 400-metre-long bus lane, with provision for cyclists, on the eastbound side of Cardiff Road.

Major reconstruction, resurfacing and traffic light improvements in preparation for the lane have taken place over the last three months - with work on the new bus lane expected to start in January once plans have been finalised by council engineers.

Vale council cabinet member for visible and building services, Cllr Geoff Cox, said: "I am particularly happy that our in-house highway design and construction teams were utilised for this scheme.

"This enabled the council to control the works timetable and, during the construction process, quickly resolve any issues to achieve an early completion date."

Cllr Jeffrey James, cabinet member for planning and transportation, added: "The early completion of the scheme has enabled residents and road users to benefit from the improved traffic lights system. With the large number of vehicles on our roads, it is important that planning for increased traffic volumes embraces the most up-to-date technology."