Amid growing frustration over delays caused by Abingdon's new central traffic system, people living in the south of the town are calling for action to ease congestion along Drayton Road.

The Tithe Farm and Ladygrove Residents' Association says traffic is getting worse not only at peak morning and evening times but other, less predictable times of the day.

Residents also fear the queues will worsen. Association treasurer Eleanor Dangerfield said: "About 80 new homes are due to be built on the site of the old Tesdale School in Blacknall Way.

"The site of the old Esso garage and Renault garage in Drayton Road has been sold and seems a likely place for homes.

"That would lead to more traffic problems in south Abingdon.

"We want to hear the views of residents so we can approach our councillors."

The association has come up with a raft of ideas which, it says, would ease congestion. These include reopening the old north slip road on to the A34 between Steventon and Drayton, to take traffic out of south Abingdon.

The association wants to see a full 'diamond' interchange on the A34 at Lodge Hill, north of Abingdon. At present drivers can only get on to the A34 to go north and get off travelling south.

Campaigners would like to see traffic lights at the double roundabout at the bottom of Drayton Road and an improved bus service.

For years, councillors have backed the idea of a full interchange for the A34 at Lodge Hill, but the Department for Transport says this would encourage more traffic on to an already over-burdened route.

Oxfordshire County Council has looked at schemes for improving the junction of Drayton Road and Ock Street.

But ideas of widening the bridge and putting in lights to replace the double mini-roundabouts have been rejected.

Local councillor Mike Badcock, who lives in south Abingdon, said there had been traffic problems in Drayton Road for more than 20 years.

He said: "The only solution is a new bridge over the Thames, but that will cost an enormous amount of money."

Meanwhile, drivers are suffering delays due to the new two-way Stratton Way system, particularly along Ock Street, with tailbacks stretching to the Spring Road roundabouts.

Following complaints, signal engineers have altered the lights and during peak times there is a longer green light for traffic in Ock Street entering Stratton Way.