SEVERE traffic hold-ups between Whitstable and Canterbury during the rush-hour could end by this Friday.

Traffic lights at the Rough Common and Whitstable Road junction, where a roundabout is being built, are due to be dismantled on Friday. A council spokesman said the remaining work could then be completed without lights.

Drivers' misery was compounded on Monday when work started mid-morning on installing a pedestrian crossing between the level crossing and the London Road mini roundabout in St Dunstan's. This work is due to be finished by Friday.

The council spokesman said work at Rough Common had been put back because of unavoidable delays to resurfacing.

"We started the roundabout at the end of July and the work was timed to coincide with the school holidays," he said. "It is unfortunate that the contractor carrying out the resurfacing has been delayed.

"We know people do not like this because of the inevitable delays but part of their council tax goes towards highway work and this is an example of people getting back something.

"People want smoother roads and therefore must accept some of the short-term disruption which comes with that."