Motorists have hit out at roadworks outside the Civic Centre that are set to last for seven weeks.
Workers on Monday started replacing the failed traffic lights at the Civic Centre junction in Southampton city centre.
Southampton City Council's contractor Balfour Beatty is replacing the lights, electrical systems, and underground cables at the junction.
A closure is in place on the two centre lanes of Havelock Road – between Western Esplanade and Portland Terrace.
Bus stops on Civic Centre Road are being temporarily relocated to Above Bar Street.
Taxi driver and Unite Union shop steward, Perry McMillan said: “The roadworks are right in the centre of the city, on route to the train station.
“I have a lot of passengers that want picking up or dropping off at the train station, so drivers are having to plan their journey and factor the works in, as it will add to the travel time.
“I'm glad the lights are being sorted but it will be inconvenient for a time, and it will add to congestion in the city that only seems to be getting busier.”
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Speaking to the Echo, he said: “Our taxi and private hire members have raised serious concerns about the impact this junction has had on getting passengers moving smoothly across the city.
“The long waits here aren’t just frustrating; they’re also costing drivers more in fuel and reducing their earnings.
“It’s surprising that, despite the council's focus on improving air quality, they allowed this issue to go on for so long, which surely hasn’t helped emissions in the area.
“We’re hoping the repairs will be finished sooner than planned so traffic can get back to normal."
One bus passenger was affected by the first day of the roadworks, with their bus stop being changed to accommodate the works – from Civic Centre Road to Above Bar Street.
Wishing to remain anonymous, they said: “I didn't know about the change in bus stop until now.
“I've just come out of the civic centre and now I don't know where I'm going.
“It's really affected me as I don't know exactly where I'll have to go to get the bus and how long it will be like this.”
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