MOTORISTS on Exmoor have been rebuked after ignoring an urgent road closure on a strategic route when a sink hole started to open in the carriageway.

Somerset Council highways teams spotted what they described as a ‘void in the middle of the carriageway’ of the B3190 in Upton and immediately closed the road.

A spokesperson said: “Due to the urgent and unforeseen nature of this incident, there was insufficient time to implement a formal diversion route.”

Barriers and signs were put in place to alert drivers to the sudden closure with work crews due to start repairs the following morning.

But, the spokesperson said: “Disappointingly, when the team arrived, they found that the barriers and signs had been driven over.

“This creates a serious risk, not just for the crew, but for any vehicles that might unknowingly enter the area.

“The risk to vehicles is high, and any damage or incidents that occur because of ignoring the closure could affect car insurance policies.”

The highways engineers eventually discovered a void under the road about 16 feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet wide.

They cleared and excavated the carriageway until they found a stable point from which they were able to safely begin backfilling.

The work on the road, which runs across Exmoor from Washford Cross to Bampton, saw it closed for two days before it was safe again to drive on.

The spokesperson said: “The B3190 has been reopened following the completion of necessary repair works.

“Our team has safely backfilled the void and carried out all safety checks.

“We will continue to monitor the area for any further movement due to the nature of the spring in this area.

“A survey of the highway surface drainage will be conducted in the coming months, which may lead to further planned works to ensure long-term stability and safety.”