DRIVERS found themselves in a dangerous "free for all" at a busy Colchester junction after a set of temporary traffic lights stopped working during rush-hour.

Traffic lights at the junction between Northern Approach and Mill Road malfunctioned at about 8.25am on Tuesday morning causing traffic chaos.

One driver caught-up in the congestion described the situation as a "free for all" as motorists battled to join the junction from all angles.

They also said, however, drivers tried to work together to ensure cars were able to turned safely across the junction into the road they needed to reach.

Gazette: Chaos - Temporary traffic lights stopped working in Northern Approach Road and Mill Road, in ColchesterChaos - Temporary traffic lights stopped working in Northern Approach Road and Mill Road, in Colchester (Image: Google Maps)
The incident has caused concern among some motorists, who fear what could have happened given the traffic lights are not constantly monitored. 

Chris Ramson said: "Surely it should be possible nowadays to monitor lights 24/7 and despatch someone to fix any fault as soon as it happens?"

Others caught in the traffic, meanwhile, said this is not the first time the traffic lights have stopped working since being put up last week. 

"They were broken yesterday morning when I went past at 11am," said Dave Johnson, while Justin Craigon said: "That's happened about three times this week."

Several drivers, on the other hand, said they actually preferred the lights being out as it improved traffic flow.

Sam Paterson said: "There were no problems when I drove through, the traffic was moving better to be honest."

Richard Turnbull added "If people followed the rules and line usage then it can be done fairly easily without lights.

"Sadly most people needed to be somewhere 20 minutes ago."

Gazette: New road - the rapid transit system is being constructed alongside a new link road (Image: Essex County Council)New road - the rapid transit system is being constructed alongside a new link road (Image: Essex County Council) (Image: Essex County Council)
The traffic lights are understood to have been installed as a temporary measure while roadworks are carried out as part of a new rapid transit scheme.

Lanes have been closed in Northern Approach Road while work continues on the project, which will have priority over other forms of transport with a dedicated lane.

Essex Highways has been contacted for comment.