RESIDENTS claim construction lorries are continuing to use residential roads to access building sites in Dawlish instead of the newly opened Dawlish link road.

The road, which had been promised more than a decade ago, was finally open to construction traffic to move 100s of vehicle movements away from residential areas.

But since the road was officially open to lorries, residents complain they are continuing to see vehicles using the same roads.

Teignbridge Council said the road was open to construction traffic only from August 18 for heavy vehicles accessing Taylor Wimpey's ‘Brook Vale’, and Bloor Homes' ‘Dawlish View’ housing developments.

A spokesman said: ‘This means no more lorries and heavy vehicles using Elm Grove Road, with all site traffic now accessing the developments from the north via the A379 Sainsbury’s roundabout.

‘We have worked closely with developers to ensure the link road is open to construction traffic before the school term starts in September, improving safety for families near Gatehouse Primary Academy and Dawlish Academy.’

But so far, there have been numerous complaints every day that traffic is still not using the directed route.

Another resident complained: ‘How can it be said to be open when it is not open to the public?

‘It should have been open before any construction was allowed to take place.

‘Failing to do this allowed construction traffic to thunder down Elm Grove, endangered the school children and residents along Elm Grove.’

Teignbridge Council responded: ‘We don’t have a confirmed date for full opening yet as that is dependant on more homes being occupied.’

It is understood opening the road to all traffic is dependent on 50 homes being occupied and currently it is understood there are about 25.

There were further reports of about 20 lorries using Sandy Lane instead of the new road in the space of about an hour and a half.

Sandy Lane is currently being used by South West Water as part of its major scheme to improve water quality.

Dawlish county councillor Rosie Dawson says she is working with officers at Teignbridge Council and the developers to ensure the new rules are followed.

She explained: ‘An order has gone out for more signage and all suppliers have been notified of the new route.

‘I have been talking with the two site managers who have been out to look at the issues.

‘I am getting notifications daily that there are lorries still using Elm Grove Road.

‘We need to be patient as the message gets through to drivers.

‘The developers are as frustrated but they are working with me.’

The multi-million pound road is to access land for housing on the outskirts of Dawlish and ease traffic congestion in the town and along the A379.

Previously 100s of lorries every day had been using Elm Grove Road to get to the sites, passing Dawlish College and Gatehouse Academy and numerous residential properties along the way.

Proposals for the road were first put forward when housing development was considered to the north east of the town more than 10 years ago.

It connects the A379 at Sainsbury’s to more than 400 new homes at Secmaton Farm and Swan Park and access to approximately 400 new homes at Gatehouse Farm.