MOTORISTS have been venting their frustration after roadworks started on a busy Worcestershire route.

A convoy system was introduced on the A449 in Omberlsey on Monday (February 23) while a major patching and resurfacing project is undertaken.

The works are “routine but essential” and will vastly improve the road’s condition, according to Worcestershire County Council – but some motorists have been less than happy with the scheme.

Councillor Peter Tomlinson, who represents Ombersley at Wychavon District Council, said of his personal experience on the stretch: “When we went through the roadworks there was no-one working in the road.

“The convoy was travelling at approximately five miles per hour and we can’t work out why it was going so slowly – there wasn’t a single person in the road.

“This is the kind of thing that really does annoy motorists so much.

“I wonder why they can’t use their common sense.”

He added however that he didn’t have to wait very long for the convoy to begin, while reports from other motorists have suggested traffic has been flowing reasonably well.

The roadworks, which will last day and night until Wednesday, March 4, are focusing on both the northbound and southbound carriageways between Ombersley Bridge and Hartlebury.

Lane closures on either side will be in place and the convoy system is operating daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm and then 7.30pm to 6am.

Before the works started motorists took to the Worcester News Facebook page to criticise the scheme.

Laura Meredith commented: “It's rubbish - I have to contend with roadworks on the A449, The Tything and Bath Road to get to work, it’s so frustrating.”

Liam Wozencroft added it would be more tolerable “if you could actually see people working” while Rosie Furlong said the works were putting her “stress levels at an all time high”.

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council however strongly defended the local authority's approach.

She said: "Bearing in mind the work was only started on Monday, the roadworks on the A449 and traffic management has, so far, worked as planned. 

"During off-peak hours the convoy system is working and there has not been a build-up of traffic yet. 

"During rush hour traffic is free flowing and the work force moves away from the carriage way."

A spokesman previously told Your Worcester News on Friday: "This is routine but essential maintenance work and drivers may wish to take alternative routes to avoid this part of the A449 while it is taking place.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"There may be delays for motorists, but we are carrying out the work in sections and operating the convoy system outside of peak traffic times in order to minimise the impact as much as possible."