DRIVERS were left fuming tonight after a breakdown on the M5 and roadworks near the Cainscross roundabout created traffic chaos.

The junction 13 southbound exit sliproad leading to the A419 and A38 Stonehouse and Stroud was shut for an hour to allow the recovery of a broken-down lorry.

Meanwhile, the four-way traffic lights at Stroud's Cainscross roundabout were causing long delays throughout the rush hour.

Stagecoach West apologised to bus passengers for what it described "severe disruption" to all its services caused by the temporary lights at Cainscross.

It warned people to expect delays of up to 45 minutes.

The work is being done by Severn Trent Water and is scheduled to finish on Friday, October 27.

Drivers took to social media to vent their frustration.

Judith Gunn (@JudithGunn) complained on Twitter: "Whose idea was it to put four-way traffic lights on the Cainscross roundabout? I've just been driving in circles for an hour."

Also on Twitter, Linda Moore (@WilyMouse) said: "Godawful ride home through Stroud. Motor traffic absolutely gridlocked. Used towpath route, which I normally avoid."

Gareth Barnett (@gdoggbarnett) fumed: "Been sat in traffic for over an hour now. Baby still at nursery and you are not even working at Cainscross."

David Johnson (@DavidRamRaider) directed his anger at local councils, complaining: "I can live with roadworks but the lack of information about the Cainscross roundabout temporary lights is shocking."

Sally Wherry (@sawherry) even begged BBC Radio 2: "Can you give a shout out to all those in traffic hell in Stroud?"

Chrisss Dempsey (@MiiiniMe) said: "So called 'roadworks' where there are no works, just loads of temporary traffic lights causing chaos in Stroud."

We try to get a response from the authorities about this tomorrow.