Drivers have been facing long delays around Canterbury after roads became gridlocked.

Queues of traffic built up across the city centre - thought to have been caused by the combination of an accident and temporary traffic lights.

This morning, frustrated drivers reported 40 minute hold-ups on routes that would normally take them five minutes.

The Inrix traffic service reported collision in Rheims Way and there are roadworks in Upper Bridge Street, Sturry Road and Wincheap.

One cause of the delays is four-way traffic lights set up at St Stephen's roundabout for UK Power Networks.

This is causing a blockage on a route into the city which is being used by motorists who would normally travel down Forty Acres Road, which is closed for gas works.

One driver said it took more than an hour to get from the University of Kent to the St Stephen's roundabout.

A number of motorists ended up being late for work - while school buses were also held up.

One driver said: "I was stuck so long on the Rheims Way, Google Maps is telling me I recently parked there."

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: "Our engineers are on site carrying out essential repairs to the underground electricity network in St Stephen’s Road, Canterbury, to maintain reliable electricity supplies in the local area.

"For safety reasons, temporary traffic lights are needed while our team excavate and repair the fault. We apologise for the disruption and will complete this work as quickly as possible."

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