MOTORISTS are ignoring road closure signs at Parley and making U-turns in the middle of the blocked road.

Video footage shot by the Echo shows a steady stream of motorists driving right up to the blockade and then being forced to turn around and travel back to Parley crossroads.

 

A section of New Road is currently closed in both directions while Dorset County Council carries out resurfacing works, plus repairs to Ensbury Bridge.

The closure started on Monday and is scheduled to last for up to three weeks.

Motorists travelling from Ferndown towards Bournemouth are being diverted through Longham and should only be going straight over at the crossroads if they need access to the shops or residential properties.

However, the video clip shows many people are ignoring this advice and one driver even mounts the kerb as he tries to complete a U-turn.

Dorset County Councillor John Wilson, who represents Parley, said: “My advice to motorists is to pay attention to the signs, be sensible and follow the diversions.

“It is busy going through Longham at peak times but that’s not really anything new and during off-peak times, the traffic is not too bad.

“I’m guessing some of the people driving right up to the closure will just be rubbernecking, wanting to see what is going on, or maybe they think they will be able to get through.”

Jenna Milton, who runs Creations hair salon on New Road, said: “As I talk to you now, I can see three people trying to turn round. It’s very strange because there are signs everywhere and it’s clear that the road is closed.

“We were very annoyed that the council didn’t really consult us properly on the closure and didn’t seem to care about the effect on our business but there’s nothing we can do about that now.

“The workers are really nice, they’re working really hard and we’re just getting on with it.”

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “The local authority put road closures in place to ensure traffic flows well and safely.

“We would therefore ask motorists to comply with any road closure signage and diversions.”