TRAFFIC chiefs are maintaining that disruption to commuters' journeys is not too bad despite continuing traffic jams caused by the closure of Holt Fleet Bridge.

But the city's traffic chiefs maintain the problem has not been as bad they first thought it would be and that movements were slow but not gridlocked.

Jon Fraser, network control manager for Worcestershire County Council angered motorists when he stated on Monday that while traffic was a bit congested, it was not too bad.

Speaking yesterday Mr Fraser said he stood by his original comments but added that the council was keeping an eye on the situation.

"I stand by what I said because it was okay," he said.

"We've not had many calls to the office about the traffic but I do understand there was quite a lot of traffic in Worcester and Stourport-on-Severn.

"The traffic was moving though - it wasn't gridlocked but it was very heavy."

Holt Fleet Bridge is expected to be shut for three weeks while the work - which includes waterproofing the structure and repairing the carriageway - takes place.

Traffic management adviser for the south Worcestershire division of West Mercia Police, Mike Digger, said the traffic was not as bad as they had expected and motorists had heeded warnings of delays.

"I think in reality it's run reasonably well and people seem to have co-operated and obviously some people have adjusted their journey times and therefore so far we haven't had any major problems on the route," he said.

"It's worked extremely well and shows that when the authorities work together we can manage something.

"I can't agree that it was chaotic because we did warn people there would inevitably be problems and delays on the route because it carries a lot of traffic."

He added that motorists should, where possible, stagger their journey times and use alternative routes.