Around 1,500 people have signed a petition calling for the end of "unnecessary" lane closures at one of the busiest junctions in north-west London.

Drivers and residents have hit out at delays at Apex Corner in Edgware while Transport for London carries out planned bridge repairs on the A41.

The work, which began in April and lasts until August, has caused "chaos" and gridlock since a new phase of the work started on May 10.

Borehamwood Times: One lane is currently closed in both directions on the A41 near Apex Corner due to TfL carrying out planned repairs on a bridge that runs over the M1One lane is currently closed in both directions on the A41 near Apex Corner due to TfL carrying out planned repairs on a bridge that runs over the M1

According to a petition set up in recent days, lane closures on the approaches to Apex Corner have caused "severe disruption", in particular during the school run.

It says: "Teachers, school staff, students, parents, carers, school bus drivers and transport assistants have journeys delayed up to 90 minutes because of the multiple road and lane closures.

"Children who are commuting to specialist school settings in the area, several with medical needs... are spending two-and-a-half hours for a journey that typically lasts 45 minutes."

Parents have also raised concerns about pupils being late for exams. 

Borehamwood Times: Some of the traffic on the A1 and A41 last week because of lane closures approaching Apex Corner. Credit: TfLSome of the traffic on the A1 and A41 last week because of lane closures approaching Apex Corner. Credit: TfL

The petitioner has called on TfL to carry out the work during "more sensible hours" such as when the school holidays start in late July. 

Thousands of drivers who pass through Apex Corner have also been caught up in the delays on the A41 and A1, along with people who live in Mill Hill and Edgware.

People living near Apex Corner are also battling with TfL to reopen Pike Road, near KFC, which gives them access to Apex Corner.

The only choice they have at the moment is taking the A1 to Borehamwood and sitting in heavy traffic coming back to Apex Corner. 

Read more: Drivers and residents hit out at roadworks on A41 at Apex Corner

Borehamwood Times: Residents want Pike Road, pictured behind them, reopened by TfL. The street is being used to store maintenance vehicles involved in the bridge repairsResidents want Pike Road, pictured behind them, reopened by TfL. The street is being used to store maintenance vehicles involved in the bridge repairs

After being inundated with complaints, TfL said on Friday it is looking at whether it can make "changes" in Pike Road but appeared to rule out reducing lane closures, which it says are in place to ensure traffic on the Apex Corner roundabout is at a "safe capacity".

Nick Fairholme, TfL's director of projects and programmes, added: "We’re sorry for any disruption that this work has caused to people in the area and are working to complete this on schedule later this summer."

The petition can be found here and a full schedule of the Tfl work can be found here.