A junction where engineers are struggling to fix traffic lights has been less congested since the fault, motorists say.

Essex County Council workers have visited the junction of Epping High Road and Theydon Road in Bell Common near Epping five times since the signals broke last week and temporary traffic lights put in their place caused jams on Friday.

But Keith Towns, who drives past the junction everyday on his way from his home in Waltham Abbey to work in Epping High Street, said the council should not bother fixing them.

The Chequers Walk resident added: “The lights went out on Thursday, before the school holidays, and you could see the difference straight away, in both directions.

“It seems to me that the traffic lights should provide a benefit, but they don’t seem to be doing that.”

He said while the lights were working, drivers waiting to turn right into Theydon Road, where there is a filter light, blocked motorists behind them, causing jams.

“I’ve seen people go up on the pavement,” he added. “Now, people are not having to wait for the signal to turn right, they’re just going when there’s a space.”

Julie Spellman, of Chapel Road, Epping, who passes the junction on her way to work in Enfield each morning, said: “It’s just ridiculously better.

“Going to work, I usually have to wait 10 to 15 minutes – more if there’s a problem on the M11.

“Without any lights, there was no traffic at all.

“If this was not an intentional malfunction, maybe the council could send someone to measure the effect.”

An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: “Essex County Council was made aware of a fault with these traffic signals on Wednesday 22 May and has been actively working to resolve the issue since then.

“We appreciate motorists’ patience in the meantime and hope to have the traffic signals back up and running as quickly as possible.”