QUESTIONS are being asked why a disruptive one-way system was introduced for traffic in Dawlish a week before any work appears to have started.

Residents are complaining that the new ‘chaotic’ road restrictions in Elm Grove Road and Sandy Lane have been in force for more than a week but no one has seen any work taking place.

One asked: ‘When are they actually going to start the work on Elm Grove road as it appears all that’s happening is two men sitting in a pick up?’

Drivers attempting to access homes and Dawlish College and Gatehouse Primary School have reported ‘carnage’ since the one-way system was set up.

One resident said: ‘It was absolutely carnage outside my house.

‘Parked vehicles on double yellow lines even with police cones out and also parking on school zig zag lines.

‘At one point it was absolutely gridlocked.’

Vehicles have been reported ignoring the signage and continuing to use the road, going the wrong way.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Anthony James said the issue was people driving the wrong way on the one way system but that cameras have now been installed.

Even yesterday, almost a week since the restrictions came in, one motorist said it was ‘chaos’ trying to get out onto Exeter Road.

They said: ‘Made even better by two cars deciding to still turn in and drive wrong way up towards the school.

‘It had improved by time I came back but still met three cars coming wrong way down Sandy Lane.’

However, there continues to be no visible work going on.

One angry resident said: ‘A week of disruption and diversions for nothing.’

South West Water has been asked to respond.