MOTORISTS have been warned that taking rural shortcuts to avoid the roadworks on the A590 at Lindal "could be a fatal mistake".

Officers have continued to issue strong warnings to motorists who have been attempting to avoid the temporary traffic lights at Lindal by using the rural lanes in and around Urswick.

Police have said that motorists should take the possible delays into account when planning their journey, rather than risking making a "fatal mistake" by using country roads with blind bends and narrow lanes.

The temporary traffic lights at Lindal, in operation because of the £1.6m flood prevention works on the A590, are set to be in place for another five weeks until the project is completed.

Residents have made repeated complaints to local police about the "idiot" drivers who are using the lanes as a shortcut.

In a post to the Evening Mail, Lisa Lysons said: "Can you point out that the people now using the lanes, around the Lindal roadworks drive with a little more caution.

"I understand people's frustration however someone is going to be killed. I have to use these lanes due to where I live and people do not appreciate that there are people out walking, cyclists, tractors and animals to be aware of. Please slow down."

Officers said: "We would urge people using the road to factor the temporary traffic lights into their journey time.

"Attempting to save time by taking to country roads you do not know well could be a fatal mistake.

"The majority of road traffic fatalities occur on country roads which often have sharp and blind bends which can hide unexpected hazards.

"The speed limit on such roads should be taken as an absolute maximum and it doesn't mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions."


That message was reiterated by the community policing team for Ulverston and Furness.

On Twitter, they posted: Alternative route through the lanes to avoid A590 Lindal? Be aware of what might be around the next bend. 60mph is the limit, not a target!"