Residents are fuming over “chaotic” roadworks causing long tailbacks for frustrated drivers - and say they seldom see anyone working.

The South East Water repairs on the A28 between Sturry and Hersden involve four-way temporary traffic lights which, to add to motorists’ misery, have been breaking down.

But it is the apparent lack of any activity which is angering most road users and residents.

“It’s absolutely ludicrous,” said retired office manager June Holley, who lives with her husband George in nearby Blackthorn Road.

“For the first three days the lights were up with no work happening at all, but still causing chaos, especially around school time.”

Mrs Holley says she has now learned the work is to replace loose drain covers and could continue until the weekend.

“A workman told me there was a delay in getting new covers, so why close the road?”

The issue has been a hot topic of complaint on local Facebook pages.

“Never seen a road with more traffic lights on it! 15 min queues at rush hour yesterday,” writes Daniel Bourn.

“Yet again the traffic lights are up and running at the junction of Bredlands Lane, repairing the manhole that appears to be unrepairable, judging by the amount of time deemed necessary to fix it,” adds Kenneth Wibberley.

The work is taking place at the junction with Bredlands Lane near the Spires Academy school.

“We appreciate that if work or repairs have to be done, then so be it,” says Mrs Holley.

“I go out in my car a couple of times a day and it’s a near-constant traffic jam.

“But South East Water really need to crack on and get it done because it’s causing huge delays and inconvenience.”

There was further grief for motorists early on Tuesday morning when the temporary traffic lights broke down - and were not fixed until early evening.

Motorists can expect more delays until the weekend as the work shifts to repair drain covers on the opposite carriageway.

Nick Bell, head of operations for Kent at South East Water, said: “We are sorry to customers affected by the works on the A28, which were to repair defective covers in the carriageway.

“We have worked closely with the highway authority, which granted a permit from November 15 to 22 to safely undertake these essential repairs.

For the safety of the public and our team, we needed to implement traffic management to complete this work. All works, including reinstatement and removal of equipment, will be completed by November 22.

“We understand that any disruption is frustrating and would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”