TRAFFIC has been described as ‘chaos’ in Dawlish this morning as South West Water beings work in Elm Grove Road.

There had been questions about exactly how the one-way system along the road was to function.

SWW, which is midway through a multi-million pound project aimed at improving water quality, has resumed work in Elm Grove Road today.

The road, which is home to Dawlish College and Gatehouse Primary School, will be subject to a one-way system and a 20mph speed limit.

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.

Now, drivers and residents are furious and say the signage is poor.

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: This one way was meant to start after the school run this morning, 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.

‘The signage has been very poor.’

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

There appears to be no signage telling drivers to turn n down Sandy Lane to get to the Gatehouse end of Elm Grove Road.

One motorist said: ‘Just got caught out by this and had to go through the temporary traffic lights twice to get through. Chaos!’

South West Water has been asked to comment.