SOUTH East Water was ordered to down tools on a pipe-laying project on the A325, which caused tailbacks of several miles, after they failed to warn drivers of the works.

Hundreds of motorists travelling between Bordon and Farnham on Monday and Tuesday faced significant delays due to temporary traffic lights installed opposite the Country Market

The lights were operating on a timed two-minute basis, reducing vehicle flow to one lane at a time, which rapidly produced traffic chaos.

After becoming aware of the problem, Hampshire County Council instructed South East Water contractors Pipeway to cease working at the location.

A spokesperson for the council said: ÒWe told South East Water they could not continue with the work as they had not given advanced warning of the work.

ÒThey would normally have to put signs up warning drivers in the area one to two weeks before they start.Ó

Responding to the issue, South East Water said there had been a technical error in communicating its plans.

The company issued a statement, which said: ÒWe would like to apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused over this matter. The County Council asked our contractors to stop undertaking mains distribution relining work on the A325 on Tuesday due to traffic problems.

Ò The contractor was given until 3pm to stop this work, which they did.

ÒWe always work with highway departments to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum during our essential water quality improvement work. We were under the impression that an electronic message was received by the County Council sent by us on August 9 informing them of this roadwork.

ÒObviously a technical error has occurred somewhere and we will examine this further with the council to investigate the issue.Ó