A £1m maintenance scheme is set to cause traffic delays on one of the south's busiest motorways from next month.

The major roadworks will be carried out on the M27 westbound carriageway between junctions ten and 12, near Fareham, until December.

A 50mph speed limit will be in force throughout, so motorists are being urged to leave extra time for their journeys.

The essential works, which haven't been given a start date, will include resurfacing, providing new drainage and replacing safety fencing.

During the first two weeks of the scheme, the outside lane of both carriageways will be closed so that drainage work can be completed.

Motorists will be able to use the hard shoulder during that time, so three lanes of traffic will continue to operate.

A free vehicle recovery scheme will be in place when the hard shoulder is not available to ensure the continuous flow of traffic.

The rest of the work will be carried out overnight to minimise disruption to drivers.

Peter Scott, Highways Agency project manager, said: "After the first two weeks, the motorway should be open from 6am to 10pm, so things should run as normal during the day.

"We will be keeping as many lanes as possible open during peak hours, but during the works, we advise drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and vary their journeys where possible.

"We would also like to remind drivers to observe the reduced speed limit as it has been put in place for the safety of the workforce as well as drivers using this route."

Some lanes will be closed overnight on the westbound carriageway.

The westbound slip-roads, both on and off, will be closed on a limited number of occasions. During these closures diversion routes will be well signposted to aid motorists with their journey.

An AA spokeswoman said: "You are up to three times more likely to be involved in a road accident when roadworks are going on so the speed limit is therefor a very good reason."

For further information call the Highways Agency information line on 0845 7504030.