A hospital has issued a warning to patients after temporary traffic lights blocked up a busy route nearby.

Electrical works along Hermitage Lane in Maidstone are causing delays of up to 30 minutes at peak times.

UK Power Networks are currently carrying out utility repair and maintenance works on the road.

As a result, a set of temporary traffic lights has been installed near the entrance to Hermitage Court.

It started yesterday and is set to go on until Friday (May 3).

As well as being a busy route between Barming and Aylesford, it’s used by ambulances and patients to get to Maidstone Hospital.

MTW Emergency Planning posted a warning on social media for those who have upcoming appointments.

It said: “Roadworks by UK Power Networks on Hermitage Lane are causing significant delays accessing Maidstone Hospital – please leave plenty of time for your journey.”

KCC Highways has also told drivers to expect delays in the area.

Motorists previously faced disruption in January, after three-way traffic lights were installed for more than two weeks while a water main was put in.

Several concerned residents took to Facebook to advise others of the works.

“Anyone with an appointment at Maidstone Hospital today, check the traffic before you leave as the temporary traffic lights are adding at least half an hour to your journey (especially from the motorway),” one person explained.

Someone said: “It has just taken my daughter one hour and 35 minutes to get from Vinters Park to the hospital for work.”

“I found that out this morning, trying to get to the hospital is a total nightmare,” another agreed.

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A spokeswoman from UK Power Networks said: “For safety reasons traffic restrictions are in place on Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, while we investigate and repair a street lighting fault in the area.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will complete the work as quickly as possible.”