MOTORISTS were left fuming over the weekend after new traffic lights caused major tailbacks in Stanway.

The new system, which was installed as part of the Stane Park shopping development, was said to be the reason for heavy delays between the roundabout at Eight Ash Green and Tollgate.

Motorists have reported traffic was at a standstill for more than 30 minutes, saying the lights are “an absolute nightmare” and “do more harm than good”.

The delays were particularly heavy in the morning at about 9.30am,with drivers taking to social media to urge people to avoid the area.

Concerns have also been raised on the signal change times, which according to some drivers are causing tailbacks with cars barely moving.

Due to the tailbacks, traffic at the A12 was also affected.

Taking to the Gazette Facebook page, residents have been venting their frustrations.

Nicky Baker said: “It took us over an hour to get from Stane Park to A12, the traffic lights literally let one car through then go back to red. It caused such a build up of traffic.”

Rosalyn Leclercq added: “It took me 20 minutes to get from one side to the other of the roundabout as lights changed ridiculously quickly.”

Another resident, Cindy Page, described the situation as “utter chaos”, saying he “will definitely be avoiding the area in the future, while Michelle Rocky Fulwood posted the roundabout “worked better how it was, more money was wasted”.

Steve Mcmanus added: “It is only going to get worse when the rest of the housing gets constructedand the rest of Tollgate.”

Some residents have, however, welcomed the new traffic lights saying they help them enter the roundabout more safely.

Darren Cole said: “I think it is a better more safer system.

“The traffic will be busy in any case.”

Highways England said it was aware of some issues with the traffic lights over the weekend.

As development progresses the new lights will help the junction operate smoothly under increased capacity.