MOTORISTS are being warned to avoid Cradley due to "heavy congestion" in the area caused by multiple traffic management systems.

Dudley Council put out the warning and advised people to take alternative routes.

There are temporary traffic lights on Maple Tree Lane at the junction of Colley Gate and on Two Gates.

A statement put out by Andrew Sumner, the council's Network Manager, read: "We are aware of heavy congestion occurring around Cradley this afternoon.

"Unfortunately the issue has been caused by multiple traffic management systems operating in close proximity.

"Planned works are taking place on Maple Tree Lane at the junction of Colley Gate under manually controlled traffic signals between the hours of 09.30am till 3.30pm.

"Unfortunately, Severn Trent Water have today submitted two “Immediate” notifications for Two Gates to repair defective ironwork using a road closure as their method of traffic management.

"Whilst works outside no. 79, have already been recorded as complete, the second notice for works outside no. 104 has an estimated end date of March 29th.

"Unfortunately this has increased the volume of traffic travelling through these temporary signals and congesting the area.

"We are currently requesting that Severn Trent Water justify these works and the notification type that they have used as well as confirming their proposed duration and hours of working.

"I will update you as soon as I receive their response, however in the meantime it is recommended that alternative routes are taken."