A WELL-USED Southampton junction has been blocked off amid safety fears after drivers persistently ignored roadwork closures.

Northlands Road had been closed to traffic entering from The Avenue since Sunday night due to roadworks, with a one-way system in place for those heading onto the busy road.

However, Southampton City Council says that because drivers are "ignoring traffic management" by driving the wrong way down the one way system, after illegally turning into Northlands Road from The Avenue, a full closure has been implemented.

According to documents, this will be in place until Friday, and will be a 24-hour order.

One of the reasons for the decision has been "to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and our operatives", the council added.