MOTORISTS and residents are divided over a bid to stop a Dorking road being used as a cut-through.
Surrey County Council put up a "no entry expect for access" sign at the entrance to Vincent Road last week after residents complained the road was unsuitable for high volumes of traffic.
The sign prohibits use of the road "except for access to premises or land adjacent to the road, where there is no other route" and is enforced by Surrey Police.
But drivers argue the road is invaluable during peak traffic hours and residents have "no right" to claim the street for themselves.
Mike Harrison, who lives just outside Dorking, said: "It was a very good cut-through if you didn't want to go all the way round the one-way system, which is obviously a nightmare during rush hours.
"I think it is the most stupid terminology going as it says the road is only for access but that is exactly what any road is for and it is the reason I and many others choose to use it.
"The residents have no right to claim it over any other user; I pay my rates and therefore I have the right to use it as I see fit."
Trevor Swann works in Coldharbour and says he regularly used the cut-through to get to his home in Rose Hill, Dorking, but now journey times have increased by up to 20 minutes.
He continued: "It is really annoying because if you come from Coldharbour Lane you have to go through the whole one-way system to get into town and it is just mayhem at peak hours.
"The cut-through via Vincent Road meant that the traffic was eased around West Street as people could divert around it completely, but now you do not stand a chance."
However, Vincent Road resident Daniel Smith said: "The road is far too narrow for these cars and they race down here like maniacs.
"They use it as a rat-run and I've had my wing mirror knocked off a few times. They should stop being selfish about it and put up with waiting for a few extra minutes."
A Surrey County Council spokesman added: "We have installed the sign as a permanent measure at the request of residents who were understandably concerned about the number and speeds of vehicles using the road as a cut-through, a purpose for which it is not suitable."
