Extra traffic lights installed on an Oxford roundabout are making driving a misery for thousands, say motorists.

Since Oxfordshire County Council added two additional sets of lights to the roundabout beneath the Eastern Bypass flyover at Cowley, drivers say they have faced long delays and heavy congestion.

On Saturday, Tesco shoppers spent up to 20 minutes trying to get out of the store's car park.

One motorist, Andrew Hanger, of Banbury Road, Oxford, reported spending 35 minutes getting from the Grenoble Road roundabout to the Tesco's one.

He said: "What a farce. Even though the lights were on green, nothing could move due to the other lights on red or traffic just blocking up all exits due to the extra lights installed. These extra lights have to be removed now before there is a major accident -- or is that what they are trying to achieve?

"I have not spoken to one person who thinks this junction has been improved."

Andy Beal, of Sandy Lane, said: "It's horrendous at the moment. I'm coming from Blackbird Leys, but it doesn't really matter what direction you come from, the roundabout is solid.

"My wife works at Tesco and sometimes I take her to work -- now I just don't want to go there."

Mr Beal said he was furious that the council had not consulted residents on the extra lights.

He added: "I really can't understand it. It's disgraceful they have got away with this. The council should be brought to book."

Chris Agutter, of Oxford Road, said when the traffic signals were down while the new ones were being installed, traffic ran freely even at peak times.

He added: "Why can't the traffic planners come at times like this and see just what a mess they make of things when they decide to put nine sets of lights on such a small roundabout?"

County council spokesman Paul Smith said: "The thinking behind the changed traffic signal arrangements in this area has been to lessen the amount of accidents that have been occurring.

"The southbound slip road has been a particular problem area. We believe these new arrangements will help. A further pedestrian crossing has also been introduced to make life more comfortable for people who are on foot.

"We hear what some motorists have been saying about some delays. We are closely watching the situation and will make any fine tuning changes that are warranted."

Mr Smith added: "However slower traffic will also mean safer traffic, so the principle that drove the change remains a good one."