A tube train caused chaos on Southend's seafront - when it got stuck on a roundabout!

Sweltering drivers fumed as miles of jams built up when the train, on a low-loader, was caught at the mini-roundabout at the bottom of Pier Hill on Wednesday afternoon.

The tailbacks stretched all the way back to Chalkwell as police were called in to help move the train, which was on its way to Shoebury to be scrapped.

The transporter was forced to travel along the seafront due to the diversions caused by the bridge strengthening works at Priory Bridge, Prittlewell.

The low-loader hit problems navigating the tight turn and police closed off part of the road and guided it onto the opposite carriageway.

A police spokesman said the load had to travel at that time - and not off-peak - due to the tachograph laws which restrict the number of hours a driver can be on the road.

He said the driver was due to stop for a break so had to complete the journey as soon as possible. Otherwise the problems could have been worse.

It took some time before the load could be moved and traffic got back to normal.

Chaos - the tube train stuck along the seafront

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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