Roadworks caused massive tailbacks into Brighton, leaving drivers simmering on one of the hottest days of the year.

Business owners are also complaining about Brighton and Hove City Council's decision to start ripping up Preston Drove at the junction of London Road in Brighton, for the next 16 weeks.

A number of motorists contacted The Argus yesterday after cars became backed up almost three miles to Pyecombe.

A worker at Marchants Estate Agents on the A23 near Patcham said: "It's going to be total chaos. Cars were stuck outside the shop and up to the A23 roundabout most of the morning. People were sitting in cars and lorries and looking very hot and harassed."

Scott Eveson, assistant manager at the Crown and Anchor Pub opposite the roadworks said: "They haven't even started work yet and it is absolute chaos.

"This is the main route into Brighton and on the weekends and rush hour its gridlocked anyway, even without the roadworks."

Hilary Lang, who runs Languard Alarms on London Road opposite Preston Drove, added: "It was about 98 degrees this morning but people weren't able to have their windows open because it was too noisy. I can't believe this is going on for four months. Why are they starting this two weeks before the kids break up from school and, to make it worse, on the hottest day of the year?"

Other motorists criticised the council for adding to Brighton's traffic problems at a time when regular jams are already caused by roadworks on the seafront.

Councillor Simon Battle, the council's transport spokesman, defended the decision, claiming the road improvements were essential and unavoidable.

He said: "There is never a 'good' time to undertake major roadworks. That is why Brighton and Hove City Council plans its major schemes, wherever possible, so they can be completed in the quickest possible timescale without disturbing significant events in the city such as the autumn conference season and the run-up to Christmas.

"The type of modern materials used to resurface our roads reduce skidding, noise and improve safety but they must be laid in warm, dry conditions.

"Night-time working is used sparingly for some works but is not an option where the noise would disturb residents or visitors.

"The overlap of the seafront and Preston Drove schemes was unavoidable. Both are long-term projects and require completion before the autumn."

The work at Preston Drove will create new bus lanes, cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and upgrade traffic signal equipment.