DRIVERS in Dawlish have been accused of ignoring new road restrictions.

The new one way system from Sandy Lane via Elm Grove Drive and Elm Grove Road has been brought in two allow work by South West Water.

But the new route and 20mph speed limit have led to some motorists flouting the rules.

And residents and other road users say the work is causing ‘chaos’.

There have been regular reports of cars and vans ‘defying’ the signs and continuing to come down Exeter Road.

The work is causing further headaches as students, parents and staff at both Dawlish College and Gatehouse Primary School are affected.

For the duration of the work during term time, road entrances and exits at the Exeter Road and Sandy Lane junctions will be manned at school drop-off and pick-up times.

One onlooker said: ‘Is there anyone out there who can do something about this chaos?

‘Watched mums and dads with school kids this morning, complete shambles at Elm Grove Road and surrounding areas.’

Another said: ‘It’s just ridiculous they are just ignoring the signs, people need to slow down and take the correct route.’

SWW said it would bring in extra signage after the first day of the one-way system was described as chaotic.

Following complaints, SWW, which is midway through a multi-million pound project aimed at improving water quality, promised to address the signage.

A spokesman for SWW said: ‘We are installing additional signage on Sandy Lane and Elm Grove Drive to make sure the diversion is as clear as possible.’

Work in this area had been due to be carried out in the summer holidays but was delayed following the discovery of an unmapped gas pipe.

The work has now started and is due to continue until March 27.

Furious drivers and residents had said the signage was poor.

County councillor Rosie Dawson has been in touch with Devon County Council’s Highways Enforcement Officer.

She said the situation had been further complicated after delays by Wales&West, which is also working in the area.

One angry parent said it was ‘chaos’ with people ignoring the road closed signs to drop children off and others just pulling straight out the junction of Elm Grove Drive without stopping.

They said: ‘They should have put parking restrictions in along Elm Grove Road as it’s a complete bottleneck with the parked cars and impatient parents.’

Another said on Friday: ‘This one way was meant to start after the school run, but as per they just do what they want and cause utter chaos at school drop off.

‘No signs to say to turn off at Sandy Lane if you want Gatehouse end, it’s just a joke.’

Other drivers complained there was no indication of the restrictions until actually getting to the road.

One parent also complained that near the college, they had to drive on the pavement and expressed safety concerns for children accessing school premises.