A temporary one-way system has been introduced on a Taunton road by Somerset County Council’s Highways Team after residents expressed concerns about driver behaviour.

Essential work is currently being carried out by a developer in Monkton Heathfield to link the A3259 Western Relief Road to the main road network.

A section of road is currently closed on Yallands Hill to complete the work and a diversion is in place, but concerns have been raised by Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council on behalf of residents about the impact of extra traffic and anti-social driving on Maidenbrook Lane.

The council has requested a one-way system which SCC’s Highways team has now put in place, ensuring traffic can only travel from north to south on Maidenbrook Lane for the duration of the works, which are expected to be competed in July.

“We are very grateful to local residents and Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council for their incredible support and patience while this work is carried out – we fully understand this is having an impact on people’s daily lives,” said Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

He added: “Residents should not have to tolerate anti-social driving, which is why we acted quickly to alleviate some of these issues and we will continue to monitor the situation.

“We must urge drivers – please use the proper diversion route for the duration of these works, and if you do have to use Maidenbrook Lane and other small roads in this area please drive carefully and consider local people.”

Vice-Chair of Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council, Cllr Jason Woollacott has received numerous complaints about anti-social driving since the closure has been in place.

“I have seen several incidents myself of drivers using Maidenbrook Lane as if it was an A road, without care or consideration for residents,” he said.

“I’ve even seen drivers remove closure signs at the start of the works. We understand the closure is a minor inconvenience for those using this route, but that is not an excuse for making residents’ lives a misery.

“Hopefully making this a one-way system will ease the problems. We are urging residents to please report incidents to the police as soon as possible.”

You can report incidents to Avon and Somerset Police by calling 101 or please visit the force’s website and log your incident here – Report | Avon and Somerset Police.

During the road closure a suggested diversion route will be clearly signposted on site or can be found at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.

Stay up to date with this and other roadworks schemes by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter.