Burst water main in Hamble causes chaos - in pictures

Motorists were stuck in traffic for several hours on Wednesday.

A large queue of vehicles trailed through Hamble Lane after four-way temporary traffic lights were introduced.

Some residents spoke of abandoning their cars and walking home, while others endured a two-hour drive from one part of Hamble to another.

Traffic in Hamble on Wednesday (Image: Gareth Pullen)

Southern Water has since confirmed the burst main has been repaired.

Sally Schofield was one of several motorists brought to a standstill on Wednesday.

Speaking to the Echo after arriving home on Wednesday evening, she said: "I've given up.

"[I] Parked up safely and out of way and walked home. I'll pop back later to pick up car.

"[It] Does make me wonder if this was an incident involving a flattened human, how do emergency services get through?"

She added: "I normally walk about the village rather than drive.

"Sadly, I chose the wrong day to leave and try to get back in, making a detour to the doctors to 'save time'".

READ MORE: Traffic-calming scheme branded a 'waste of time and money'

A fellow Hamble resident, who did not wish to be named, said it took him over two hours to drive from his hairdressers to his house.

He described it as ‘ridiculous’.

Traffic in Hamble on Wednesday (Image: Gareth Pullen)

In light of the incident, Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh has spoken out.

She is urging Hampshire County Council to reject plans for a gravel pit on Hamble Airfield following the traffic chaos.

Liz said: “Yesterday's incident saw many people including families and people on their way home from work stuck in traffic for hours on end while Southern Water were attempting to fix a burst water pipe.

"Imagine how much chaos will be caused by 144 lorry movements a day into and out of the proposed gravel pit on Hamble Airfield.

“What if one of the lorries breaks down? What if an emergency vehicle couldn't get through?

“The entire village would be regularly brought to a standstill, and the impact on people's health, wellbeing and livelihoods would be catastrophic.”

READ NEXT: Hamble quarry plans remain in limbo due to 'insufficient information'

Southern Water has since apologised for the disruption caused.

A spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for yesterday's traffic disruption following a burst water main on Hamble Lane, Southampton.

“Our teams worked until the early hours to finish the repair, and traffic management has now been stood down.

“Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding.”