The NHS Test and Trace system has faced fresh criticism for a flaw in its online booking system which tries to direct people from Southampton to test centres more than 60 miles away.

Some people with coronavirus symptoms who try to book a test online are directed to centres which would take them hours to reach by car.

A number of local residents with a Southampton postcode are being directed to the north edge of Wiltshire to the city of Swindon – around a four-hour round trip.

This is despite testing centres in Portsmouth, and even in Salisbury - which users would have to drive past on their way to Swindon.

Problems with the booking system have been highlighted from early on in the crisis but it appears that glitches in the system – which seem to disproportionately affect those on the coast – are yet to be rectified.

Down the road, a person in Gosport has been directed to the test site at Chessington World of Adventures, in Greater London, rather than the Covid-19 drive-through test site in Portsmouth.

Driving from Gosport to the Portsmouth centre takes around 26 minutes for the 11-mile trip, while driving from Gosport to Chessington takes almost an hour-and-a-half for a 67-mile journey.

Nationally, Labour said it was “hugely disappointing” that the issues were still occurring and called on the Government to address the issues as a “matter of urgency”.

Shadow health minister Justin Madders said: “From the first days when testing centres were being rolled out, we have heard stories of people being sent unfeasibly long distances just to get a test, but for this to be still happening at this stage is hugely disappointing.

“Quick and easy access to testing are cornerstones of an effective test and trace system but once again the Tories seem unable to get the basics right.

“They must solve these problems as a matter of urgency.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “NHS Test and Trace is working, it’s completely free and is stopping the spread of coronavirus.

“Regional testing slots are allocated based on the nearest testing site with availability and we are working to ensure this takes into account journey times. Anyone with symptoms across the UK should get a test as soon as possible.”