Traffic snarled up on Park Way Bridge as vehicles tailed back nearly the full length of Park Way as motorists struggled to exit the town via the small mini roundabout outside the telephone exchange.

Newbury Buses and taxis were experiencing serious delays because they were unable to travel northwards over the bridge. When our photograph was taken, shortly after 3.30pm yesterday (Monday), the 102 service to Reading was delayed by 25 minutes. One passenger demanded a refund and left the bus as it queued at the bridge.

Things got worse – much worse, during the evening rush hour as motorists queued in the sweltering heat. At 5.30pm, 3 buses were reported as being “trapped” on the south side of the bridge as southbound commuters blocked the access to the bridge.

A spokesperson for the council indicated that they were experiencing “minor teething problems”, which would all be resolved once the traffic lights have been rephased.