TRAFFIC chaos ensued in Braintree when lights were installed for emergency repairs after a gas leak.

Morning commuters and school traffic faced almost an hour of queuing after lights were put up in London Road near Braintree Cemetery.

Notley Road, Godlings Way, and London Road saw an increased volume of traffic due to UK Power Network’s diversion and closure of Baker’s Lane, which is due to be completed by October 25. 

Cadent was called to the site last Tuesday after reports of gas and put up traffic lights while repairs were carried out.

The lights caused traffic turmoil in the town, with many people missing doctors’ appointments and arriving late to work and school.  

Frustration - People were late for school, work and doctors' appointments after the traffic turmoil Frustration - People were late for school, work and doctors' appointments after the traffic turmoil (Image: Public) Speaking to the Times, one road user from Braintree, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I had to drive to work in Great Notley Garden Village.

“By the time I got past the traffic lights, it had been over an hour.

“It’s ridiculous.”

Another said on Facebook: “The current haphazard, uncoordinated roadworks are bringing the town to a standstill and affecting local businesses."

Hour - Traffic was building from Notley Road up through Godlings Way and down London Road due to the lights Hour - Traffic was building from Notley Road up through Godlings Way and down London Road due to the lights (Image: Public)

Kerry Stimson, customer operations manager at Cadent, confirmed it was called to the scene following "reports of a smell of gas".

Ms Stimson added: “Cadent engineers took immediate action to make everything safe and used specialised equipment to pinpoint the source of the escape before carrying out an emergency repair.

“This repair has now been completed and the road will be reinstated as soon as possible.

“We understand that London Road is on the diversion route for works being carried out by UKPN, but in a situation like this, we had no option but to install temporary traffic lights to ensure that our colleagues could carry out repair work safely.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. This is all about keeping everyone safe.

“If you smell gas, please act immediately and call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.

“Please do not assume it is related to this. It may not be and needs to be checked out.”