Nottinghamshire County Councillor Sue Saddington’s campaign pays off as traffic light trial agreed for Hawton Lane

A two-week traffic light trial is to take place on a country lane after safety concerns were raised by the community and their councillor.

Sue Saddington, who represents the Farndon and Trent Division on Nottinghamshire County Council, has campaigned for temporary traffic lights installed on Hawton Lane, between Hawton and Farndon, to be made permanent to help improve road users’ safety and reduce rat running.

This is instead of a proposed closure of the road, which residents fear will push traffic back through already congested areas like Newark town centre and Farndon roundabout.

The temporary signals near Hawton Bridge were installed during the construction of the Newark Southern Link Road — and Ms Saddington says she, and the community, wants them to remain in place permanently after the link road’s completion.

In response, Nottinghamshire County Council has agreed to a two-week trial period where the lights will remain in operation after the new road opens, and the effects will be carefully monitored before any final decision is made.

“Keeping Hawton Lane open helps traffic get to the A46 directly without creating bottlenecks elsewhere,” said Ms Saddington.

“We’ve heard the concerns, we’ve seen the evidence, and we’ve got the support. This two-week trial is a step in the right direction — but it must lead to a longer-term solution.

“We’re not out of the woods yet. This is progress, but the fight goes on. These lights make this road safer. I’ll be keeping up the pressure to make sure common sense prevails in the end.”

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the parish council also revealed the cost of the scheme would be much less than originally believed, according to the county councillor.

She added: “The facts have now become clear.

“For months, we were told it would cost over £100,000 to keep these lights. But thanks to the diligence of the parish council, we now know the true figure is closer to £50,000. That changed everything — and forced the council to act.

“This is exactly how communities and councillors should work together — challenging flawed assumptions and pushing for practical solutions. I’m proud to stand with them.”

A highways manager from Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Currently temporary traffic signals are in place between Farndon and Hawton to ensure the safety of highway users over the narrow bridge, that has seen an increase in traffic following the A46 roadworks lane closures.

“The next stage of the Newark Southern Link Road is due to open in the coming weeks, and a road closure was proposed on the bridge to prevent additional traffic going through Hawton village.

“Following consultation with Councillor Saddington and affected stakeholders, it has been agreed that the temporary traffic lights will remain for a minimum of two weeks from the opening the new section while the impact on the overall network is assessed.

“Additionally, a petition from Councillor Saddington asks that permanent traffic signals are installed at this location. It has been agreed that an assessment will be carried out once the Newark Southern Link Road fully opens next year.”