The A338 dual carriageway in Bournemouth has had one lane closed to rescue Slow Worms and Sand Lizards, creating miles of tailback
The creatures are protected under EU Law and need to be moved from their natural habitat next to the A338 due to £26million of road works due to take place on the road. The removal process needs to be done now whilst the creatures are hibernating and is estimated to take 8 weeks to complete. Local retailers have urged the council to postpone the work until after the busy Christmas period, over fears shoppers will be put off from coming into the town. The lane is closed for nearly 7 miles with workers on a 150 yard stretch.