DRIVERS are being warned to expect slow traffic on Brighton seafront.

The congestion on the A259 means fuming motorists took almost an hour to travel between Portslade and Brighton city centre this morning.

Roadworks in the area have meant the road has been reduced to a single lane in places.

Argus news editor Kim Mayo said: “It’s traffic carnage between Portslade and the Aquarium Roundabout along the seafront.

”It’s an absolute farce.

”It took me 56 minutes to travel between the two.

"It would usually take about quarter-of-an-hour.

”Most vehicles could not get out of first gear.”

An AA spokesman said there was queuing traffic in Kingsway.

He said: “There is a traffic shift due to construction work on the A259 Kings Road at the A2010 West Street.”

The roadworks are in place as the traffic lights on the road are replaced.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience these works are causing, but they are essential for the safety of pedestrians and all road users.

"The current traffic signal equipment needs replacing or it will become a danger.

"We expect the work to last at least four weeks."