Motorists are being left stranded in the baking heat in Monmouth today as emergency road repairs and the failure of a traffic light system cause chaos within a stretch of roughly 200yds.

The traffic lights at Wye Bridge with the junction of the A40 in Monmouth have failed, causing bedlam for drivers trying to move on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far. Gwent Police has said it is aware of the issue and working with the relevant agencies to resolve it.

Meanwhile, just yards up the road at Dixton roundabout, the northbound side of the A40 is also closed up to Ganarew. According to traffic data from the AA, the emergency repairs are causing severe delays on both sides of the border.

The best local diversion being advised is to travel up Hereford Road to Buckholt, before heading to Welsh Newton, Llangrove and Whitchurch from Monmouth. However, it is impassable for HGVs.

Unlike other areas in the county, schools in Monmouth including Monmouth Comprehensive, Haberdashers and both schools in Dixton are open as normal today. Warnings are already being issued ahead of the school run this afternoon.

Authorities are advising people to only travel if necessary while the red weather warning for extreme heat remains in force.