A power failure cut out traffic lights in Wolverhampton city centre today, forcing rush hour drivers to cross tram lines without signals operating.

Traffic lights in the St George’s area of the city were out of action for more than 16 hours after a problem with the council’s control panel. The affected areas included Piper’s Row and Bilston Street, home to the city’s St George’s tram terminal.

Motorists travelling along busy Bilston Street were forced to cross the tram lines without the help of the lights.

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said there was a power failure to the control panel at 7pm last night.

“Warning signs were put up for public safety,” Mr Thandi said. “Engineers worked all night and the power was restored at 11.30am today.”

Office worker Ann Higgins, aged 27, of Penn Road, said: “I was a bit worried about crossing the tram lines in my car.”

Midland Metro spokesman Phil Bateman said all of the trams managed to cross safely thanks to drivers’ judgement. He said trams were not automatically controlled and drivers could stop them at any time.