Police have issued a warning to drivers using an illegal shortcut to bypass a major road closure on the Isle of Wight.

Motorists travelling from Sandown have been using Morton Manor Road, against one-way traffic, to get around the roadworks and closure at the Yarbridge crossroads.

By illegally using the route, which is approximately 125m long, drivers re-emerge on The Mall, which leads to Brading High Street and, via Bullys Hill, Brading Down Road.

Police, however, have warned against this, reminding motorists that driving through a no-entry sign is a traffic offence and will void any insurance if a collision occurs.

PC Carey of IW Police said: “Whilst the closure at Yarbridge Cross has been in place, vehicles are using Morton Manor Road as a shortcut against the one-way traffic.

“With the increased traffic flow on this route, this is creating a dangerous situation.”

Police have confirmed that officers will now be patrolling this area. 

Morton Manor Road in BradingMorton Manor Road in Brading (Image: Google Maps)

The crossroad junction at Morton Road, New Road, Yarbridge and Marshcombe Shute (Yarbridge Crossroads), between Brading and Sandown, was closed on Tuesday (July 23).

This was to allow SGN to carry out urgent repairs to a section of low-pressure gas main.

The road has since reopened with temporary traffic lights, but Yarbridge leading to The Mall remains shut, the County Press understands.