Motorists faced major delays when travelling into Rickmansworth this morning.

Neighbours and motorists were left frustrated because there were huge tailbacks heading into Rickmansworth during rush-hour after temporary traffic lights were set up in Park Road.

Raymond Freed, of Old Barn Lane in Croxley Green, said: “The traffic was tailed back to Sarratt Road, right past The Green and coming from the other direction, traffic was tailing back into Watford.

“They set up the traffic lights on Friday and left the work over the weekend and the traffic was horrendous.”

Catherine Quinn, of Park Road, said: “It has been awful trying to come down the hill [Scots Hill]. When I have been to Watford, I came back via Tolpits Lane. It seems to be worse for the traffic coming down Scots Hill.

“Even when I go bed to, there are still cars queuing up at the lights late at night. I have not seen anyone working there.

“The lights did not seem to be green for very long at all. Some cars got through and then the lights seemed to go red again pretty soon after.”

The lights were set up in a bid to combat a burst water main.

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by a burst on a 4inch main in Park Road, Rickmansworth on Friday 2 October.

“As this was an emergency, outside of standard office hours, we commenced with emergency repairs that day, which is standard procedure. A permit for this work has since been raised.

“Traffic management was put in place to ensure the safety of commuters and our technicians working to make the necessary repairs.

“Our technicians repaired the main on Friday, the reinstatement of the road has been completed and the temporary traffic lights will be removed by Monday evening.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst we carried out these vital repairs.”