The scheme which was launched yesterday includes computerised cameras which monitor traffic flow and then adjust the traffic lights to keep traffic moving.

The scheme named KITS, which stands for Kettering Intelligent Transport System, has been under construction for several months after a government grant was awarded for the scheme in February last year.

Once fully operational, the designers say, after a teething period, it could reduce traffic delay at lights and junctions by an average of 15 per cent.

Senior development officer at Kettering Council Liz Beth said: "It has been switched on but it is a bit like a child's learning process. It has an initialising process where it has to learn how to work."

Another new feature in Kettering's transport system is a real-time passenger information service for bus users.

The electronic displays at bus stops tell travellers what time the next bus is expected.

Viv Oram, 61, of Alexander Street, who often travels on the bus into Kettering, said: "I think it is excellent. Much more useful than reading off the timetable."

The scheme cost nearly £1m and was launched by Northamptonshire County Council and its highway partners Atkins, in partnership with Kettering Council.

Andrew Holt, project director for Atkins, said: "This system will allow for more control of the network and as traffic growth increases we can manage it a lot better.

"In Northampton we have proven its success as a number of journey times have decreased and I am confident there will be a similar decrease in Kettering."