Tower Bridge has been left open due to a technical fault, causing traffic problems in central London.

The bridge, one of several over the River Thames that connects central and southern parts of the capital, has been stuck for several hours.

Images from the scene on Monday afternoon show traffic built up on both sides of the bridge, which is owned, funded and managed by City of London Corporation.

A spokesperson for the corporation told the PA news agency: “Due to a technical issue, Tower Bridge is currently stuck in a raised position.

“We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

It is not known how long the bridge will be stuck for.

City of London Police urged the public to avoid the area.

The force said in a tweet: “Tower Bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians due to technical failure.

“Please avoid the areas. Updates to follow.”

Tower Bridge stuck open
(Michael Bedigan/PA)

A traffic status update on Transport for London’s website said movement for motorists is slow on both sides leading up to the bridge.

It added: “East Smithfield has minor delays westbound. Tower Hill is also slow eastbound with delays back towards Upper Thames Street Tunnel. There are also delays southbound on Mansell Street. Minor delays northbound on Tower Bridge Road approaching Tower Bridge.”

The bridge was built by the Victorians more than 100 years ago and is considered one of the world’s most famous bridges and one of London’s most recognised landmarks.

It connects the Square Mile financial district to Southwark.

Tower Bridge was previously closed to the public last August after a mechanical fault meant it was stuck open for more than an hour.

Engineers fixed it and it reopened to motorists the next day.

In 2005, police closed the bridge for 10 hours after a technical problem meant the arms could not be lowered.