THE actions of drivers frustrated by the cancellation of the Sandbanks Ferry has led to temporary traffic lights in Purbeck.

The three-way temporary signals were introduced on Wednesday and will be used during the peak afternoon and early evening period at the Studland Road junction.

There were delays yesterday as a result.

The council is trialling the lights for four days on the A351 junction with the B3351 to Studland from 2pm to 6pm.

The lights will be operated manually by a member of staff from Dorset Council Highways who will regulate traffic flow.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Increased traffic at the junction, due to the Sandbanks Ferry being out of action, has led to drivers becoming frustrated and putting themselves – and others – at risk of injury.Increased traffic at the junction, due to the Sandbanks Ferry being out of action, has led to drivers becoming frustrated and putting themselves – and others – at risk of injury."

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "As a result of the Sandbanks ferry breakdown, Studland Parish Council called an extraordinary meeting last night, which I and my colleague Cllr Cherry Brooks attended.

“Residents and the parish council are very worried that there is going to be a serious collision at the A351 / B3351 junction. After listening to local people’s concerns, we have responded swiftly and have agreed to the trial of three-way temporary traffic lights at the junction.

“Many drivers have chosen not to follow the signed optional one-way system which we put in place last week which is there to help keep traffic flowing by minimising right-turns on to the A351 at the junction.

“We would appeal to all drivers to be patient and plan their journeys ahead as delays are possible.”

After the trial, Dorset Council highways will assess the impact on traffic and decide whether to keep three-way signals in place at the junction, between 2pm and 6pm only until the ferry returns.