Detailed plans and drawings of Saltaire’s traffic future were unveiled to a mixed public reception yesterday.

Council highways chiefs set out tables with maps, diagrams and computer images in a bid to convince residents of the merits of the six-month Saltaire roundabout improvement scheme.

Central to the plan is totally removing the roundabout, closing off Albert and Clarence roads and controlling flow with traffic lights.

“It’s a very exciting time – this is the core of what the supportive schemes such as 20mph zones and traffic calming have all been leading up to,” said Bradford Council’s principal highways engineer Richard Bruce.

“There’s skepticism in some quarters about what can be achieved, but a lot of support from those who say it’s long overdue,” he said. “It will certainly give us better control of traffic through use of the lights which we can alter to suit the flow.”

Mr Bruce was unable to give an exact timetable of disruption as the contractors are working to a flexible contract.

“But the removal of the roundabout itself will probably happen in Autumn.

“Albert and Clarence roads must be closed before that happens and their traffic redirected to Hirst Road, which will have traffic lights.”

One local resident said he was unconvinced it would be worth the cost and effort.

“Whatever’s done it won’t change the volume of traffic at peak times as commuters head for Leeds and Manchester.

“New bus lanes won’t get them out of the Mercs and BMWs,” he said.

Steff Dirienzo, who owns the Creative Hair Studio on Bingley Road, said the exhibition gave her little real confidence.

“Our main issue is parking – it all seems to be about through traffic and not for the shops or people who actually want to come to Saltaire,” she said.