Initial plans to build a roundabout at the junction of Scalby Road with Green Lane and Throxenby Lane got the thumbs down.

John Riby, Scarborough Council's head of technical services, said it became obvious that such a plan would not be viable because of the "significant" installations involving BT and to a lesser extent Northern Electric, Yorkshire Water and Transco.

Now, he is to discuss the idea of putting up traffic lights with Cllr Andrew Backhouse, the council's cabinet member for environment and transport, today.

Mr Riby said in a report: "Failure to implement these improvements could lead to injury accidents occurring owing to the difficulties experienced by drivers manoeuvring, particularly those exiting from the side roads."

The site, on the A171 Scalby Road, takes more than 8,500 vehicles a day at peak times out of season, with the figure rising by around 25 per cent in the summer.

Mr Riby's report stated there were almost 3,500 turning moments into and out of the side roads during an average day.

"There is a history of minor accidents at the junction associated with the side roads and vehicles entering the main road," said Mr Riby. "The perceived problems arise at times of peak demand when drivers on the side roads have to act quickly to enter the main road when a gap appears in the main flow in both directions."

Newby and Scalby Parish Council has been asking for a roundabout or traffic lights for the past 10 years.

The route also carries "significant numbers" of pedestrians and cyclists, peaking at school starting and leaving times.

Mr Riby added: "Signals also offered the side roads the best opportunity to enter the main road at peak times."

The signals would also help cyclists and pedestrians trying to cross the road.