SOUTHAMPTON’S transport boss is facing calls to resign following the traffic chaos caused by roadworks on the Northam Bridge.

Jacqui Rayment has been told to quit in the wake of the city council’s decision to reject a 1,600-name petition calling for tolls on the Itchen Bridge to be suspended in a bid to ease congestion.

Cllr Royston Smith has condemned what he describes as “yet another poorly planned transport scheme” in the city.

As reported in the Daily Echo, thousands of drivers have already had to endure a week of misery following the start of a £1.2m Northam Bridge repair project, which is set to last until the summer.

Daily Echo:

Some of the frustrated motorists caught up in the chaos claim it took them an hour to travel three miles.

The city council sayss the authority would break its own rules if it lifted the tolls on the Itchen Bridge. It also claims the necessary legal process would take longer than the Northam Bridge work.

But Cllr Smith said the “real” reason was the potential loss of up to £1.5m in revenue.

He added: “The council should be more transparent. They are being misleading to the public they have not told people the true reason behind not lifting the tolls.”

Cllr Rayment is the Cabinet member for environment and transport.

Urging her to step down, Cllr Smith said: “She cannot continue to hide behind council officers, the buck stops with her.

"She should take responsibility or resign and let someone who will take her Cabinet role seriously take over."

Cllr Smith cited other examples of motoring misery in the city and added: “This is just another nightmare for drivers caused by the council.They have demonstrated time again that they just don’t care.

"They have learned nothing from past experiences.

“Southampton is becoming a laughing stock and the economy and businesses are suffering as a result.”

But Cllr Rayment said the money being used to fund the Northam Bridge work was secured by Cllr Smith and fellow members of the Tory administration when they ran the council.

She added: “The planning that went into the project was quite excessive and it has not been as chaotic as some had anticipated.

“I appreciate it has caused some disruption but we are endeavouring to get the work done as quickly as possible, so if Cllr Smith is calling for my resignation he’s not going to get it.”