THE TOLL on the Itchen Bridge in Southampton has been lifted.

Southampton City Council has taken the action in response to the massive fire and explosion that ripped through the Southern Fireworks Factory in Bitterne.

The incident is on Bitterne Road West, which has been closed and is forcing traffic away from Northam Bridge.

To try and alleviate the congestion, the council has suspended the toll to help get traffic moving.

First Southampton's routes serving the east of the city are severely disrupted, said a spokesperson.

Affected routes are 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, X4 and X5 which are subject to long delays, she added.

Routes 8 and 10 are being diverted through Woolston via Peartree Avenue until further notice.

The spokesman said that there are good services on routes to the west of the city but these may also be subject to delay.