Drivers have been stuck in traffic on a main road due to emergency repair works.

Emergency two-way traffic lights were installed yesterday afternoon in London Road in Maidstone.

It is to make way for UK Power Networks (UKPN) to carry out repairs to the electricity distribution network around Queens Avenue.

The work began on March 5 and is scheduled to remain until the evening of March 18.

Some have already taken to Facebook to complain about the queues yesterday evening.

One said: “The roadworks tonight were shocking – temporary lights unmanned for rush hour with traffic tailing back to the Coldharbour roundabout taking 40 minutes.

“I know emergency works have to take place, but I didn’t see anyone there working.

“Surely they should be working through the night, too, on such a busy road to get it completed quickly?”

Another added: “Best part of an hour to go the length of Hermitage Lane – getting more and more depressed sitting stuck in the jam right beside not one, not two but three huge housing estates.

“It beggars belief how anyone will be able to get anywhere.”

Off the main road, in Leafy Lane, is London Road Retail Park, which is home to Dreams, Dunelm, Home Bargains and Iceland Food Warehouse.

Brunswick Primary, as well as Maplesden Noakes and Maidstone Girls Grammar schools, are also in the area.

Cllr Chris Passmore (Lib Dem), representing Maidstone Central, said: “KCC Officers have instructed that the lights are in manual control during peak periods and if necessary, for longer periods if required.

“UKPN has also been instructed to implement extended working to ensure that the repair is done as quickly as possible.

“It is appreciated that this traffic control is disruptive, however, failure to rectify this fault could result in the loss of electrical power to a significant number of properties.”

A spokesperson for the utility company said: “UK Power Networks engineers are carrying out repairs to an underground cable in London Road, Maidstone, to maintain reliable electricity supplies in the area.

“Temporary traffic lights are in place to work safely, manually controlled at peak times to minimise the traffic impact.

“Work started yesterday (March 5), and we will complete the repairs and return the road to normal as quickly as possible.”