Drivers have told of a city-wide gridlock after the closure of a major road in Southampton.

Monday marked the first day Southampton residents felt the full impact of the closure of Bitterne Road East as the schools returned after the half term break.

The road was shut on February 17 for works lasting seven weeks.

The works include the creation of a cycle lane, new crossing points, drainage works and the lowering of speed limits in surrounding residential roads.

Residents have started to tell of sitting in long queues around Bitterne Road East and Upper Deacon Road as well as other roads nearby.

Driver Marian Lawson said: “I left Midanbury to go to the GP on West End Road and it took me 45 minutes - I could have walked it in 20.”

Another Southampton resident, Elaina Marie Cutting, said: “Right now, West End Road is at a standstill, Townhill Way is at a standstill and Mouse Hole Lane is crawling.

“All those exhaust fumes going into the atmosphere, not really what Southampton City Council had in mind for a green city.”

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One resident said that parents should walk their children to school in a bid to try and curb the amount of drivers on the road during rush hour.

Paul Hatch said: “Many people have made the observation, what will happen now the schools are back.

“The roads will be gridlocked from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 6.30pm.

“The only answer for five weeks is for the children and parents to walk to school like we did in the 70s.

“If not, Midanbury, West End Park, Chartwell Green and Bitterne will be no go areas.”

But other residents have welcomed the road closure and said that for those living on Bitterne Road East, it is a break from constant traffic.

Christine Beal said: “After 42 years of living right near to Bitterne Road East, it's so quiet, and nice to be able to have windows open and sleep peacefully, without the non-stop traffic, cars beeping their horns, pollution and constant noise.”