MOTORISTS have been forced to abandon their cars because of the "chaos" caused by work being carried out on a major road between Worcester and Hereford.

Stephen Morgan, who runs the Newtown Garage, in Newtown Cross, said work to install traffic lights where the A4103 and A417 cross has resulted in "chaos and congestion".

"There have been enormous queues since the temporary lights were installed," said Mr Morgan, who also headed the "No Lights at Newtown" campaign group, which organised a petition signed by 1,400 people.

"It also been bad for business. The congested roads are stopping people from parking. We were told that the work would take six weeks."

Anthony Hawkins, landlord of the Newtown Inn, approximately 50 yards from the crossroad, said he found it worrying that the people who are planning the project don't understand the traffic flow.

"There have been massive queues. Some of my customers have even abandoned their cars and walked here," he said.

The installation was supposed to be completed by Monday, September 13, but council chiefs now say the lights will not be switched-on until Wednesday, October 20.

The delays have been caused by a health and safety review by Herefordshire Council and contractor Jarvis, which found it would be unsafe for workmen to be at different parts of the junction at once because of the heavy traffic flow.

"I think that we were overly optimistic with the speed we could do the work," said Stephen Oates, Herefordshire Council's highways head.

He added that the delay had allowed for significant resurfacing work to be carried out, which will reduce disruptions for maintenance in the future.

The delay has also meant that the overall cost will increase but Mr Oates could not say by how much.