Next week sees the launch of the Kettering Intelligent Transport System which includes detectors at traffic lights in the town so signals can be controlled according to the level of congestion.

CCTV has also been installed at key junctions so that operators can see where the problems are and make adjustments in the event of accidents or roadworks, to improve the flow of traffic.

Digital displays have been introduced at more bus stops around Kettering, which means passengers can see up-to-the-minute information about bus arrival times.

The 12-month project has cost just under £1m and was paid for through Growth Area Funding.

It is a joint initiative between Kettering Council, Northamptonshire County Council and its highways partners Atkins.

Cabinet member for roads and transport, Cllr Bob Seery, said: "The current congestion problem in the town should be reduced. However, being realistic, this is unlikely to totally resolve current traffic problems in the town which it is believed would require major improvements to the existing road system serving Kettering.

"At the same time, I have no doubt that the public should see a significant improvement in the town as far as traffic movement is concerned."

Leader of Kettering Council, Cllr Jim Hakewill, added: "There is no doubt that managing traffic growth is top of most residents' and businesses' agendas.

"People may have lots of other ideas about solving problems but this is a clear and positive step forward."

Julie Rolfe, manager of Kettering taxi firm KLM said: "If it means traffic is flowing it is a good thing.

"It will mean our drivers won't be held up getting to jobs and customers won't have to pay so much sitting in traffic queues."

Driving Instructor Paul Millen, said: "Anything that gets traffic moving in Kettering can only be a good thing.

"The way the traffic lights work at the minute mean you can be blocked off at some obscure places and learner drivers can start to panic at this. We'll wait and see if the flow of traffic improves, or if it will create a backlog in other places."