AN angry mob of residents surrounded cars in protest at motorists ignoring a diversion.

Drivers are avoiding emergency roadworks in Harwich Road – one of the main routes in and out of Colchester – by using surrounding residential streets as a rat run.

Families in Crown Bays Road say it has become dangerous because heavy goods vehicles have to mount the pavements to negotiate the narrow streets.

The issue came to a head when residents blocked their own road, banged on the roofs of cars and shouted at drivers during an angry confrontation.

Harwich Road has been closed since Wednesday, June 27, and it will be at least another week until it is reopened.

Julie McGill, 61, of Crown Bays Road, said: “It is a nightmare. Children usually play out there, but they can’t now because it is non-stop traffic. Some drivers have stopped and told them off, but it is our road. My daughter is due to give birth and nearly got bowled over. There are young children round here, and there is just car after car coming through.

“We can’t have windows open because of the noise – it is like a race track. We are a residential area. We are not a main road.

“We have had articulated lorries. They had a job to get through and how they managed it, I have no idea. A lot of them must be just following their sat navs. Harwich Road might be able to cope, but we can’t.”

Mrs McGill said several neighbours have phoned the police, but been told there is little they can do.

She said: “The workmen have been great. It’s not their fault, but it isn’t very pleasant for us.

“There has been talk about blocking the road off but by the time that’s done, the hole will be filled in.”

Another resident who asked not to be named, said she had never seen anything like it in 40 years. She said: “I went to cross the road to my friend’s house and had to put my hand up and shout ‘stop!’, and do the same thing coming back. Some people asked how I had the nerve, but something had to be done.

“If I had my way, I would charge them – put a toll in the road. There would not be many coming through the road then.”

Harwich Road has been closed at its junction with Dilbridge Road East and Alderton Road, while Anglian Water carries out emergency repairs to a collapsed sewer.

A diversion has been signposted along Ipswich Road and St John’s Road, but motorists are ignoring the alternative route.

Households in Fairhead Road North, Dilbridge Road East and Alderton Road are also affected by the increase in traffic. The closure could be in place for up to three months.

Essex County Council has asked contractors to put out extra signs to help drivers.

A spokesman said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents and the local community. We would advise all drivers to take note of the diversion.”