Swindon Borough Council says it warned motorists about roadworks causing heavy queues out of the town.

It comes after residents claimed there was insufficient notice about the roadworks and temporary traffic lights causing heavy traffic on Swindon Road into Highworth.

On Monday (July 22), the queues stretched back to Supermarine Roundabout from Highworth, reportedly adding an hour to journeys.

One person said: “A bit more notice in advance would have been good to avoid the traffic delays seen today.”

(Image: Dave Cox)

Another said: “Took me almost an hour from Stanton tonight. No prior warning.”

Other complaints included bad time settings of the four-way lights. 

A council spokesperson explained the works were approved to enable electricity to be supplied to a new 238-house development south of Highworth.

The council say the developer and utility company visited the parish council offices two to three months ago to pre-warn them about the works so the parish council could notify residents.

READ MORE: Highworth temporary traffic lights delays on Swindon Road

The council also advertised the works on One.Network, a public works database, in its resident highways newsletter, and via a sign on Brewery Street.

They added: “The traffic management company to adjust the set up of the temporary signals as they didn’t seem to be running to their peak performance.

“Colleagues have seen an improvement as the day has passed and will continue to monitor the situation.”

Swindon Borough Council granted the permit for the works to Energetics Electricity.