CONFUSED drivers were nearly gridlocked in Bournemouth Town Centre yesterday afternoon due to problems with signage connected with roadworks on nearby Richmond Hill.

With no signs warning that the Yelverton Road end of the one-way system was blocked for traffic, cars were entering Albert Road and encountering traffic returning the other way from the road block.

The Hinton Road cut-through, by Beales, was opened as a diversion to allow traffic through, but no sign was placed at the other end causing cars to enter and traffic to meet in the middle from three directions.

The situation was not helped by the wind which knocked several signs down.

Ian Kalra, head of transportation services at Bournemouth Council, said: "The current diversion route has previously proved successful in minimising additional congestion around the town.

"Unfortunately, severe weather over the past few days has caused some issues with signage along the diversion route.

"We are aware of this and have taken immediate action to ensure the signed route is clear to road users."

The road closure, part of the Three Towns Travel scheme, is expected to be lifted on Thursday, April 2.