TRAFFIC chaos caused by a contractor error left drivers idling in long queues during rush hour along a main road in Worcester.

A contractor installing full fibre broadband accidentally struck an electricity cable yesterday (Wednesday).

Roadworks were only supposed to take place outside of peak hours but the error meant that contractors had to stay on site throughout the evening and this morning (Thursday).

Frustrated drivers sat in severe congestion along the whole of London Road as the road was reduced to a single lane and a path was closed off.

The works are being carried out on behalf of CityFibre to provide superfast fibre broadband in the area.

Contractors were required to only work between 9.30am to 3.30pm after which the temporary traffic lights should act the same way as the permanent traffic lights by Waitrose.

However, on the first day of work on Wednesday one of the team accidentally struck the electricity cable which meant that the traffic lights had to remain in place later in the day.

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Jon Fraser, head of Worcestershire County Council Highways, said: "The works will proceed down London Road towards the railway bridge, and as they move further away from the Waitrose signals I would expect the congestion to improve.

"Works are scheduled up to Friday, November 26 but they may complete earlier than this."

CityFibre's contractors will be working in most parts of Worcester over the next two years to improve the city's broadband.

Worcester is among 36 towns and cities across the UK which will see full fibre broadband installed as part of a £4billion scheme to improve connectivity.

Full fibre is currently available to less than 11 per cent of premises across the UK.

CityFibre was approached for a comment but did not reply.