ANSWERS are being demanded as to why traffic lights at a busy Southampton junction have been out of action for more than three days.

Councillors say it is “unacceptable” that lights at the Bitterne Park Triangle were out from Tuesday to yesterday, despite engineers being made aware of the problem within hours.

A supply fault is being blamed for the problem at the lights near to Cobden Bridge, which is believed to have happened at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.

Since then motorists travelling from Manor Farm Road have had to merge into traffic travelling on to Cobden Bridge without use of the lights, which has led to major disruption at peak times.

It is understood teams from the city council, highways contractor Balfour Beatty and Southern Electric (SSE) have all been out to the site in the past three days.

But despite that the lights were still not working last night.

Vikram Amin, owner of SNA Express in Manor Farm Road, said: “It’s always chaotic round here, but especially now the lights aren’t working.

“They should have sorted it out earlier than this.”

Bitterne Park resident and cyclist Lea Saddler said: “It’s not safe, especially for cyclists – I have to use the pavements.

“You’re taking your life in your own hands.”

And fellow resident Katie Chandler said: “They need to sort this out as soon as possible – someone could have a collision.”

Bitterne Park ward councillor Peter Bailie said: “It’s a major junction that we know is dangerous, and for it to be out for three days is extremely poor.

Daily Echo:

Cllr Peter Bailie

“It needed someone to knock some heads together as we need to get this sorted. It’s unacceptable.”

A city council spokesman said last night: “Our highways team is working with SSE to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.”