Buses were unable to stop and drivers delayed after roadworks were set up incorrectly on an Abbots Langley road.

On Monday, roadworks and temporary traffic lights popped up on Tibbs Hill Road, with residents given no warning and no permit being obtained for the works.

One resident claimed that the phantom roadworks and lights caused "mayhem" for drivers that afternoon.

The problems worsened yesterday, with the bus stop closed and "chaos" for people attempting to travel.

There were frustrating delays for drivers and bus passengers.There were frustrating delays for drivers and bus passengers. (Image: Cllr Sara Bedford) A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council confirmed to the Watford Observer that the lights were wrongly put in place.

"We are aware that traffic management was put out for works in Tibbs Hill Road without a permit being in place for the works", the spokesperson said.

While the lights were removed yesterday, the bus stop remained closed overnight, further frustrating passengers.

One social media user expressed dismay at the "major problems" caused to her daughter, saying that she was forced to get an Uber to avoid being late to her apprenticeship.

Abbots Langley councillor Sara Bedford has laid the blame at the feet at UK Power Networks, and has called for a fine to be imposed.

She said: "This has taken more than a dozen emails, five phone calls, several messages around residents and a site visit to get this sorted. HCC were unaware of these 'phantom' works and took two days to get them moved.  The bus stop is still closed.

"I’m glad it’s been sorted, but I really wish these things could just be done properly in the first place and save everyone grief."

A UK Power Networks spokesperson said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the roadworks on Tibbs Hill Road."

"Our teams had a permit to work nearby, however as work progressed the job changed and traffic management was put in place. Our staff removed this immediately on request."