Drivers in Oxford are continuing to face hold-ups around Abingdon Road after a suspected stolen car crashed into traffic lights during the early hours.

Police officers were called at about 4am to the junction of Weirs Lane and Abingdon Road after a VW Polo hit the lights, knocking them out of action.

The county council said the lights were severely damaged but have now been switched on.

County council spokesman Dominic Llewellyn-Jones said: “The lights have now been turned back on.

“A full repair to the pole will be carried out in the near future, but will be done with temporary lights at off-peak or overnight.”

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Rhianne Pope said: “We were called at 4am to the junction of Weirs Lane and Abingdon Road to reports that a car had collided with the traffic lights there.

“Three men have been arrested.

“A 23-year-old from Oxford was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink.

“A 29-year-old from Oxford on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink, and a 30-year-old from Oxford on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.”

She added all three men remain in custody this morning.

Oxford Bus Company has tweeted that City services are being delayed by up to an hour due to congestion in and around the city.