Roadworks on a busy commuter route are causing chaos for thousands of motorists.

Contractors started work on the A259 Littlehampton Road between Worthing and East Preston on Monday.

The works, which are due to last 20 weeks, are being carried out to allow the road to cope with the extra traffic expected to visit the Asda store being built on the old Country Fayre Garden Centre site in Ferring.

Readers have contacted The Argus to tell us of the chaos caused by contractors working on the road throughout the day.

Between 8am and 6pm the dual carriageway’s usual 50mph limit is cut to 30mph with the road also reduced to a single lane.

The disruption this is causing has prompted us to relaunch our Cut The Chaos campaign.

With the support of councillors from both Worthing Borough Council and Arun District Council, we are calling for the work to be stopped during rush hour.

First to back our campaign was Arun district councillor Colin Oliver-Redgate.

The Ferring ward representative said: “I think it is ridiculous for them to be working during rush hour – totally inappropriate.

“They are thinking about what is best for them without thinking about residents who just want to get home after a hard day’s work.”

Worthing Borough Council leader Paul Yallop said: “I have actually had to cancel a meeting today because of all the roadworks so I know how people feel.

“Abroad you see these huge teams working throughout the night to finish the work but that doesn’t appear to happen over here.”

The Argus first launched the Cut the Chaos campaign during work on the A27 in October 2010.

Our coverage persuaded transport bosses to finish the road’s Lewes bypass section at night.

Keith Sunderland, who represents Northbrook ward on Worthing Borough Council, said: “Contractors should be actively encouraged to do work at night.

“I’m in favour of road pricing schemes where contractors are paid more for completing the work at night and less for during the day.”

Steve Jarvis, a project manager for the RG Group which is overseeing the work, said: “The road has been running very smoothly.

“The problem with working at night is that there are a lot of health and safety issues and you have to start getting things like temporary lighting in.

“We have sent out newsletters to residents and advertise a number for people to call and we haven’t heard anything.”

Join the Argus campaign by emailing ben.james@theargus.co.uk or calling 01273 544536.