A HOSPITAL consultant is demanding compensation from highways chiefs after being delayed in the traffic snarl-up which caused misery to hundreds of motorists.

Burnley surgeon Bob Hughes instructed his solicitor to take legal action when he missed a plane to an important business meeting in Scotland.

He was caught up in the miles-long rush hour jam on the A56 Haslingden by-pass, caused by a roadside survey aimed at cutting congestion!

Mr Hughes said he cancelled his day's operating list at Burnley General and set off in good time to be at Manchester airport for his early morning flight.

But the survey hold-up meant he arrived at the air terminal 15 minutes after his flight had gone and too late to catch the only other flight to Scotland.

Now the surgeon aims to stick the knife into the highway bosses responsible for wasting the day.

He is seeking compensation for himself, his patients whose operations were delayed, and for the Scottish company which manufactures equipment vital to his work as a vascular surgeon.

The firm had invited him to their headquarters and paid his fare.

"It was a completely wasted day and it caused a great deal of disruption to all concerned," he said today.

"Many people, not least my patients, were inconvenienced by something which seemed totally unnecessary and very badly handled.

"What on earth were they doing carrying out surveys next to roadworks which were already causing hold-ups?

"The whole thing seems so ridiculous and someone should be held responsible.

"I have advised my solicitor and action will be taken."

The study, part of a joint initiative between the Highways Agency and the Greater Manchester authorities with support from Lancashire police, was temporarily abandoned.

Lanes were re-opened to allow four-mile queues to clear.

A highways spokesman said traffic built up faster than anticipated and an AA spokesman said they had not been informed of the study.

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