MOTORISTS have hit out after claiming cars were stuck in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital car park for hours.

Engineers began drainage and road surface repair work at the junction of Cherwell Drive and Marsh Lane, in Marston, on Thursday afternoon.

But queues of traffic built up in Headley Way, near the Headington hospital, and surrounding roads, after work took longer than expected.

There were reports of chaos, with delays of up to three hours.

Mark Sargeant, 53, of Coniston Avenue, Headington, said: “It took me 45 minutes to get from Coniston Avenue to the bottom of Headley Way.

“Getting out of the JR was a nightmare. If there was a pregnant woman who was getting a lift, in she would have had no hope. Thames Valley Police should have been there to keep it moving.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Gemma Watts said: “Temporary traffic signals operated manually were used to try to help alleviate congestion for motorists.”

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the work, which was scheduled to be completed yesterday.

Hospital spokesman Heather Barnett said: “Blue light ambulances were able to come and go but other people trying to get on and off the site were disrupted.”

She said there was no disruption to clinical services.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose did not return the Oxford Mail’s calls last night.

Police said it was not a matter for them.