MOTORISTS not following diversions for the A420 Cumnor Bypass roadworks have caused chaos at Botley, transport officials said last night.

It is in stark contrast to work at both Frideswide Square and the Westgate Shopping Centre, which have both taken place so far without any major incidents.

Work on both city centre developments has been going on as usual, despite gridlock elsewhere in and around the city.

Oxfordshire County Council has closed a westbound section of the A420 next to the Botley Interchange, to carry out urgent repairs to the embankment.

But since Tuesday when the work began, traffic along Botley Road has been brought to a near standstill during the evening rush hour.

The county council yesterday said traffic coming off the A34 to join the A420 was the main cause of congestion.