MOTORISTS faced long queues as roadworks began in Botley Road near the railway station yesterday.

Thames Water began sewer repair work with three-way traffic lights at the junction with Abbey Road and work is expected to continue until Friday, July 18.

The lights were installed on Monday but not put into operation until late yesterday morning when all equipment was in place.

By 2pm, vehicles were queuing as far back as Beaumont Street and partly into St Giles and to the ice rink in Oxpens Road.

Heading into the city, traffic was queuing along Botley Road as far as McDonalds.

Some motorists were spotted driving down the bus lane – restricted to county buses, taxis and 999 vehicles – to turn into side roads.

The Oxford Mail counted 15 cars going through the temporary traffic lights towards the city.

Security engineer Steve Hicks, 44, said: “I always have trouble with the traffic here. It must be one of the worst cities for traffic in the UK.

“It does put me off coming to work here. There always seem to be roadworks.”

Botley’s Annie Osman, 73, was waiting for a bus with husband Peter, 74, close to PC World in Botley Road, said: “They’ll have to do something about it. They need a new lane or something, but I guess there’s no room.”

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