Virgin Media apologise for traffic chaos

Motorists recently faced severe delays after temporary four-way traffic lights were installed on Market Street in Hollingworth, causing major disruption. 

The lights were part of works carried out by Virgin Media. While the company had received permission from Tameside Council, it appears the council did not consult National Highways, the authority responsible for the A57. National Highways would likely have advised against any non-essential works at this time due to ongoing roadworks on Roe Cross Road as part of the A57 Link Road scheme. 

Drivers travelling from the motorway or Stalybridge into Glossop were particularly affected, and many mistakenly blamed the Link Road works for the jams, as they were unaware of the four-way lights on Market Street. In reality, the Virgin Media works were the main cause of the delays. Following numerous complaints, Virgin Media promptly cancelled their planned works, and the lights were removed the next day. 

Frustrated motorists took to social media, with one driver posting on X (formerly Twitter) that Virgin Media had “caused a gridlocked standstill” by failing to seek proper permission. Virgin Media responded: 

“Sorry to hear this. We would have the relevant permission from the authorities to do any work but do apologise for the inconvenience caused.” 

The temporary lights caused significant delays, affecting essential journeys such as collecting medication, attending appointments, and commuting to work. One driver reported that a journey from Dukinfield to Tintwistle took two hours and 25 minutes, while another said it took three hours to reach Tameside Hospital from Glossop. 

A Tameside Council spokesperson said:  

“These works were installed without the permission of National Highways (the Highways Authority for the trunk road) and have now been removed. Virgin Media apologise for the disruption caused by the installation of the temporary traffic signals at this location. As these works did not have permission, they did not show as a conflict with the gas works on Roe Cross Road, but it is believed the signals are now operating more efficiently than they were.” 

During the chaos, residents contacted High Peak MP Jon Pearce, who acknowledged the frustrations on Facebook and said he would raise concerns directly with National Highways.  

A National Highways spokesperson told the Glossop Chronicle: 

“We are aware of the significant traffic disruption in the area which impacted on journey times. This disruption was caused by third-party works in Hollingworth, which were not connected to the A57 Link Roads scheme. Our team acted swiftly to raise the issue with the responsible party, who subsequently removed the works. To help ease the immediate impact of disruption, we also made adjustments to our traffic management on Roe Cross Road. We continue to work closely with partners to minimise the impact on road users wherever possible.” 

The episode highlights the importance of proper coordination between utility companies and highway authorities to prevent traffic chaos and ensure essential works do not disrupt the local community. 

Virgin Media were invited to comment.