TEMPORARY traffic lights, installed for an unknown reason, have been causing long queues between Romsey and Rownhams.

The lights were installed last night (October 10) along the A3057 Southampton Road.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, lead member for universal services, posted on Facebook: “Temporary traffic lights have been installed since last night on the A3057 Southampton Road between Romsey and Rownhams.

“Frustratingly, there is no permit for work to be carried out there and there is no sign of work being prepared or undertaken. Just temporary lights.

“I've informed highways and asked them to get the lights removed as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, they are causing long queues both way at the moment so I would find an alternative route to Southampton or the M27 if you can this morning.”

Just after midday on Wednesday, one person commented: “They are still there with no workmen around.”

It was later discovered that the works were scheduled by Southern Water. The two-way signals have been introduced for utility repair and maintenance works and will remain until the end of Tuesday, October 17.