Traffic chaos is set to continue along Hermitage Lane for a further five weeks due to temporary traffic lights.

The signals have been put up outside Maidstone Hospital as work on new builds opposite move a step closer to completion.

A new junction is currently being built as part of the ongoing new build project by Bovis Homes.

Arriva have announced their number 8 and 85 services have experienced severe delays and even faced cancellations as a knock on effect of the ongoing works.

Posting on Facebook they said: “Temporary lights on Hermitage Lane close to Maidstone hospital are causing significant delays, and even cancellations, on a daily basis on any services operating in that area including the 8 and 85.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused but this is beyond our control.”

A re-think has also been urged by the boss of a rival bus firm over the traffic lights being installed on Hermitage Lane, after gridlock ensued.

Norman Kemp, managing director of the Nu-Venture bus company, has called on Kent County Council to make changes.

Mr Kemp said: “The congestion seemed to be due to the new traffic signal installation outside Maidstone Hospital, where the available road space had been constrained by the creation of one narrow lane past newly constructed islands, where previously two lanes of southbound traffic could be accommodated.”

He said reducing space on an already congested road suggested a lack of understanding of the issues and said there was a need for an urgent review.

Kent County Council confirmed the roadworks would remain in place for more than a month until April 25 due to a new junction being created due to the development by Bovis homes.

They said: “There will be temporary signals on Hermitage Lane at the hospital entrance to enable signal improvement and a new junction to be created by Bovis Homes. Delays are expected throughout the works.”