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 on London Road near Braintree Cemetery.

Notley Road, Godlings Way, and London Road have seen 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 were called to London Road on 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 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.”

Others said on Facebook, “The current haphazard, uncoordinated roadworks are bringing the town to a standstill and affecting local businesses,” and “This traffic in Braintree is a nightmare.”

Kerry Stimson, customer operations manager at Cadent, said: “We were called to London Road, Braintree, on Tuesday following reports of a smell of gas.

“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.

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) “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.”

Cadent repairs have now been completed and the road will be reinstated as soon as possible.