Motorists using the A3 face lengthy tailbacks in both directions near Robin Hood roundabout over the next few days as engineers carry out emergency repairs to a leaking gas main.

The works are due to commence tonight at 8pm and are scheduled to continue until Thursday.

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said: “While the gas main repairs are being completed, traffic in both directions will be restricted to a single lane.

“Drivers heading westbound, out of town, will be restricted to a single lane of traffic between the Asda superstore at Stagg Lane and Robin Hood Way, which is just past the roundabout.

Drivers heading eastbound, into town, will be restricted from three lanes down to one between Keswick Avenue, which is just past the Old Bevonians rugby ground, and the roundabout.”

The effects are likely to be felt first for drivers heading eastbound during tomorrow morning's rush hour, the spokesman said.

The restrictions were announced by Transport for London today.