MOTORISTS travelling along the new stretch of the A419 are being sent loopy by their satellite navigation systems.

The device is not recognising the southbound carriageway near Blunsdon, which was opened last weekend.

It shows the route they are travelling as going through a field and informs them to turn around when possible.

Traffic congestion has also built up over the last seven days as the project is still not complete.

Lian Mo, a spokesman for the Highways Agency, said: “It is currently carrying more traffic than expected because drivers either didn’t observe new road signs or just followed old route planners and sat nav instructions.

“This has resulted them driving to the roads where they might not need to go through anymore.

“This has led to a number of them either using the roundabout as U-turn points or trying to switch lanes at the last minute, which then blocks other vehicles.

“We are still testing and adjusting the interval time for the traffic lights at the junction to allow traffic flowing better during rush hours.”

Dave Sledge, area manager for Highways Agency, said: “This is a major construction project that is yet to be fully completed.

“We must respect that any projects at this magnitude would have teething problems at the beginning and we are doing our best to resolve them.

“Alterations are made to these routes to improve the lives of local people and anyone that uses them.

“We also would like to urge drivers to learn to adapt to the change and be accustomed to the new road layouts.

“Meanwhile, please remember that there are new road signs and lane disciplines which everyone must now observe, in order to minimise the disruption.”

Locals have been left less than impressed with the new bypass.

Blunsdon resident Rune Langtind said: “The new ‘improved’ bypass at Blunsdon now causes more delays then ever.

“I drive there every day and the queue now coming from North Swindon, is worse than it has ever been.

“The only thing they have improved slightly is the flow of traffic on the A419.

“However, it will not take long for the first accident northbound as people change lanes, with static traffic in line one waiting for the traffic light to change to go into Swindon.”

Ray Ashbury, 56, added: “There is a lot of build-up traffic now – more than there ever was before.

“Perhaps that’s because people are just getting use to the new system. I hope it sorts itself out soon.

“I know my daughter has struggled to get to my house as her sat nav said she was in a field.

“Renaming the road would avoid future confusion.”