Drivers call city's roadworks an 'absolute joke'

Businesses, taxi drivers and commuters have expressed frustration at long delays caused by a series of roadworks in Liverpool city centre.

One taxi driver said 15 minute journeys in the south end of the city were taking 45 minutes, costing people twice as much to get around the city.

"It's an absolute joke," one taxi driver said. "It's terrible, all the roads are blocked and congested, you can't move."

Liverpool City Council has apologised for the inconvenience and blamed a number of emergency repairs which occurred alongside with pre-planned work.

Those using public transport have been affected too, with many people having to get off buses further away from their usual stops.

The authority said road works in the area of Catharine Street, Parliament Street, Princes Road and Duke Street had been planned for a number of months.

A gas leak on Berry Street and a damaged signal box at Catharine Street and Upper Parliament Street were both expected to be repaired by the end of the week, a council representative said.

"Unfortunately, these programmed schemes have been impacted by unavoidable emergency works which has added to congestion at peak times."

New traffic lights on St James Road and Upper Parliament Street are set to be completed later.

The Catharine Street and Huskisson Street work is part of Liverpool City Council's Active Travel Scheme.

"This area is expected to be back to normal by next week, although there will be some final resurfacing work completed in February," the representative said.

Adding: "We are sorry for any members of the public who have been inconvenienced by all of these works and appreciate their patience and understanding."

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