TEMPORARY traffic lights at the roundabout which connects Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton, Blindwells and the A1 have been removed after road users allegedly faced 35-minute delays today.

The four-way traffic lights were installed on Monday as SP Energy Networks carried out remedial works due to an "inspection failure".

Motorists have faced major tailbacks from the works throughout the week, with queues in all directions.

Today, road users reported that the lights had been stuck on red, causing major disruption on the road.

The lights have now been removed following the issue.

Robert McNeill, Tranent and Elphinstone community councillor, took to Facebook to express his frustration at the issue.

He said: “The traffic situation at the Meadowmill Roundabout yet again today is causing chaos with a waiting time of at least 35 minutes at peak times.

“This is not acceptable and is an ongoing problem with roadworks and traffic congestion causing frustration regularly in and around the west of the county.

“It is also having an impact on people’s ability to get on with their daily lives.

“Questions need to be asked about how these works are scheduled, managed and monitored, whether by the utility company, the developer, or East Lothian Council.

“These issues are raised regularly with ELC but seem to fall on deaf ears; sadly the general public suffer yet again. I would urge more individuals to contact their local councillors or community councils, and hopefully these works can be managed more timely and effectively in the future.”

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, told the Courier: “It is a problem at the moment.

“The lights were apparently stuck on red this morning, which will only have added to the delays.

“I understand that these works were emergency works and at the end of the day can’t be avoided, but the delays are massive and are having a big impact on people.

“Hopefully something is resolved soon and the road can return to normal traffic flow.”

The works were set to go on for 10 working days and were to see contractors rectify trip factor, reset kerbs, reseal and replace tar while also reinstating concrete at the junction.

Prentice of Haddington cancelled bus services 108, 110 and 112 this morning due to the issue. Normal service has since returned.

Meanwhile Lothian Buses was also running diversion routes this morning to avoid the roundabout.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “ScottishPower were responsible for these works.

"The works at this location have been completed to a point where the signals are no longer required at this time.

"As a result, the signals were removed this morning.”