MOTORISTS endured long delays on a Hampshire motorway this morning after traffic lights failed for the second time in three days.

The signals were not working properly on the westbound carriageway at junction 3 with the M271, and traffic was tailed back several miles to junction 5 at Southampton Airport/Eastleigh.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "We are aware of this morning’s events and would apologise for the inconvenience caused to drivers on the M27.

"This was caused by a failure of a temporary traffic signal operation which we are in the process of correcting as quickly as possible.

"The work that is currently taking place at the junction is to enable a phased opening and it is our intention to have the junction fully opened in advance of the Bank Holiday weekend with all traffic management removed by this time.

"Between now and the removal of the traffic management we will be completing the installation of traffic signs and road marking, safety fencing and new technology."

As reported by the Daily Echo, traffic light faults at junction 3 caused long delays on Monday morning.