JOURNEYS around a busy village are taking four times as long because of a badly-timed set of temporary traffic lights, residents say.

Drivers in Lyndhurst have been "constantly" stuck in traffic for months in the New Forest village due a "very old" set of traffic lights which was out of sync on High Street.

It appeared the problems were due to be fixed when Hampshire Highways began replacing the lights in September – but they say since the issue has gone from bad to worse.

Cllr Hilary Brand, who represents Lyndhurst at New Forest District Council, said businesses have noticed a "huge cut in their takings" over the last month, ahead of what is likely to be a difficult winter period.

Cllr Brand said: “Residents have had months of being stuck in traffic constantly   

“This issue has meant that traffic trying to get through and around Lyndhurst has been taking anything from 30 minutes to an hour compared to the normal 5-10 minutes.

“Residents and businesses of Lyndhurst have had enough and would rather there were no lights at all.”

Cllr Brand and residents of Lyndhurst have said the issue needs to be solvedCllr Brand and residents of Lyndhurst have said the issue needs to be solved (Image: Submitted) The traffic on High Street has resulted in long tail backs and wait times on Romsey Road, Shrubbs Hill, Clay Hill and Christchurch Road.

Resident of Lyndhurst for 23 years, Rachel Emm, said that she had never seen traffic so bad in the New Forest town.

The 50-year-old said: “Yesterday morning traffic was queued from the top of the High Street - it was moving at a snail's pace.

“In a village renowned for its seasonal traffic problems, it is incredibly frustrating at this time of year when residents usually appreciate a period of respite.

Traffic on High Street Traffic on High Street (Image: Submitted) “I and so many other residents are having to take alternative longer routes to avoid the queue and allow extra journey time to and from home. It's frustrating and inconvenient.” 

“Hampshire Highways need to address concerns raised by residents to ensure the new lights are suitably programmed to effectively manage the village traffic.”

In response to the issue, a spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Temporary lights do not have the same sophisticated sequencing that permanent lights have and this is why road users are seeing some delays.

“We apologise for this, and any inconvenience, and would like to reassure both residents and road users that we are endeavouring to complete the work as quickly as possible.”