Drivers in Abingdon were yesterday struggling to get to grips with the town's new two-way system in Stratton Way.

On the first full working since the change, long queues of traffic built up in the morning rush-hour.

There was a mixed reaction from drivers caught up in the congestion.

Tony Legge drove from his home in Oxford Road to Ock Street and used Stratton Way, instead of travelling via Stert Street and High Street.

He said: "It was much easier. I sailed through but not all drivers are aware of the system and still use the old route.

"Give it a week or so and the new system will improve conditions in Abingdon, with fewer vehicles travelling through the town centre."

Chamber of Commerce president Jill Carver, who owns a delicatessen in Stert Street, said: "There was a noticeable improvement in Stert Street, with fewer vehicles. I think it can only get better once people become more aware of it."

However, postman Jason Thorne said: "The lights control at the junction of Ock Street and High Street is making congestion worse."

Taxi driver Darren Spraggs said: "I think it's useless and doubt if it will ever achieve the aim of reducing congestion."

Senior county council project engineer Andy Warren said: "It would be unrealistic to expect a major transformation on the first full day. It needs time and for people to get used to a change to a system that had been in place for 30 years.

"Signal engineers are on site and will make adjustments to the phasing of the lights if necessary."

County council cabinet member for transport David Robertson said: "People should give it time and judge it over the longer term."