HUNDREDS of drivers were stuck in hours of queues because of a fault with traffic light timings.

Motorists suffered delays in their journeys along the A259 since Monday, as traffic light settings were incorrect.

Annoyed Paul Martin, of Rottingdean, reported the problem to Brighton and Hove City Council’s highways department on Tuesday, Wednesday and yesterday - but said no one had acted on his complaints.

Mr Martin said: “It usually takes me about 20 to 25 minutes to get back during the evening but the last three days it has taken up to an hour and 45 minutes.

“I have been driving that route three to four times a day every day for 30 years. At rush hour the sequence is times to keep the traffic flowing out of the city.

“It is usually green for two to three minutes but the last few nights it’s only been letting about ten cars through before it changes back.

Rottingdean’s West Street is being resurfaced at night to avoid disruption but the traffic lights have not been reset each morning, leading to the long delays.

Mr Martin added that his frustrations were exacerbated by the council’s response.

“On the first day they said ‘thanks for letting us know we’ll get someone to sort it.

“The second time they said they had sent an engineer but he was stuck in the traffic trying to get there. They failed to see the funny side of that.

“Then the last time I rang on one even picked up.”

Other motorists complained of their concerns.

Stuart Penfold? said on Facebook: “A259 eastbound queue beyond Ovingdean. Slow moving, congestion started a lot earlier than usual rush hour.

Bongo Bartlett added: “That moment when u realise you forgot to not use the a259. Bugger.”

Rottingdean councillor Mary Mears said she sympathised with residents’ frustrations and promised to make sure the council’s highways department resolved the issues.

She said: “I know a lot of people had concerns about the lack of saefty barriers for pedestrians around the works.

“For me it’s about making sure that everything is in place before works start.

“This might be a tiny little thing but it’s so frustrating for people and such a little thing makes a big difference to people’s lives.”