IMPROVEMENTS are set to be made to the Handy Cross junction to help put an end to the traffic chaos around High Wycombe.

Yellow box markings are set to be introduced before the opening of the Eden shopping centre to improve traffic flow and regulate driver behaviour at the notorious junction.

And it is hoped these alterations will lead to a safer M40, following an unusually high number of casualties on the stretch between junctions 1 and 4 in the last year.

Eight deaths and fourteen serious injuries were caused on that section of the motorway, and talks have got underway to discuss ways of tackling the problem.

Val Lethern, Bucks County Council's Cabinet Member for Transportation, said: "We have all been very concerned about this stretch of the M40 and our priority now is to work with each other to try and find a way forward.

"We have also discussed the performance of the Handy Cross traffic signals with the Highways Agency who have advised us they are still working on providing a permanent solution to the problems experienced in recent months.

"We have emphasised the need for these works to be concluded and implemented as a top priority."

Representatives from the police, fire service, the Highways Agency and district and county councillors met to discuss ways of reducing the number of accidents, with the changes at the Handy Cross junction being the first of many proposals to be made.

Both the council and the Highways Agency will continue to observe traffic conditions at Handy Cross very closely once Eden opens.