Work to update traffic lights is planned to solve a daily stop-start commuter nightmare for motorists at a junction on the Birmingham New Road in Dudley.

Outdated traffic lights on one of the Black Country’s busiest stretches could be replaced if a £290,000 bid for transport funding is successful.

The grant would go towards replacing inefficient traffic lights, which drivers have said do not stay on green for long enough.

The lights at Ivyhouse Lane, Bank Street and Mason Street in Coseley cause tailbacks for motorists travelling towards Wolverhampton.

Dudley Council’s deputy leader Councillor Les Jones will officially back the council’s bid for £290,000 from the Department for Transport to replace old traffic signal controllers this week.

He said the scheme was ready to be put in motion and cash was available now.

Councillor Jones said: “We’re in a position to put a scheme forward but we need official approval.

“It’s a no-lose situation because the money wouldn’t be spent otherwise.”

He said the substantial grant would save the council having to fund the scheme from its own coffers, saving local taxpayers money.

Coseley councillor Susan Ridney welcomed the plans and said the narrow junction and traffic build-up caused “huge problems” for motorists and residents.

She said: “At peak times, drivers can be waiting ever such a long time. Mornings and teatimes there are long queues waiting to go into Birmingham New Road.”

“You really have to put your foot down to pull out.”

Dudley’s bid to the West Midland Urban Congestion Target Reward Fund is due to be approved at a meeting of the region’s council leaders on Thursday.

The Department for Transport has awarded the West Midlands £1.88 million to be used to counter congestion in the region.