CONTRACTORS who caused delays to drivers in Basingstoke on Monday tried to start work without a permit, the council has said.

Four-way traffic lights were set up on Daneshill Roundabout, which connects Faraday Road, Wade Road, Gresley Road and Swing Swang Lane, on July 4.

Motorists complained that the lights caused tailbacks, with one driver saying it took him 20 minutes to move less than half a mile.

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The Gazette approached Hampshire County Council to find out what work would be taking place and how long for.

The authority said that contractors, working on behalf of a utility company, had tried to start work without a valid permit.

A council spokesperson said that the company concerned were contacted and told to remove the traffic lights. The contractors then left the site.

The spokesperson said: “There was a short period during the morning of Monday 4 July where contractors, working on behalf of a utility company, tried to start work at this location without a valid permit. Once we were made aware of this, we made contact with the company concerned and they subsequently removed the temporary traffic lights and left the site.”

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