Faulty traffic lights have been blamed for causing the "worst ever" gridlock between Hampton Court, Molesey and Esher.

Some drivers abandoned their cars and walked last night amid the jams, which have resumed this morning as the problem continues.

Motorists blamed malfunctioning temporary traffic lights, installed by UK Power Networks during roadworks, for causing "traffic hell".

There were reports of tailbacks on Esher Road stretching two miles from Molesey to Esher station.

Footballers travelling to Met Police FC's home game against Dorking Wanderers left their cars at the roadside and walked to the club's Imber Court ground in East Moseley.

The club tweeted: "Worst traffic ever seen here. Players abandoning cars & walking mile to ground. This cannot just be roadworks?"

Another driver wrote: "Esher traffic hell tonight. Worst I've ever seen it. Stay away from Hampton Court area."

Derek Manning said it took him two hours to drive this son from Esher High to their home in East Molesey after school yesterday.

He said the source of the problems was temporary traffic lights at the junction of Walton Road, Bridge Road and Esher Road not phasing correctly.

UK Power Networks apologised and said the lights would be removed by lunchtime today.