Drivers have been warned to take extra care after a “massive” pothole forced a police officer to step in and manage traffic, with some motorists reportedly ignoring clear stop signals at the scene.
The warning came in a social media post by a police officer from Kingsbridge, who described spending time directing vehicles near what was called a “monster pothole of infinite doom” on the road between Sorley Green Cross and Loddiswell.
The officer said several drivers slowed to ask questions while passing the scene, prompting a series of responses. These included: “Yes. It is a very big hole. Please keep your eyes on the road…” and “I don’t know what kind of pipe it has gone through, sadly I can’t see through tarmac…”
In a reference to popular culture, the officer also added: “It’s just the one swan, actually…”
The post warned that significant roadworks are expected in the area, with traffic lights likely to be in place for the foreseeable future. Motorists were advised to consider alternative routes where possible.
The officer also urged drivers to follow instructions when directed to stop.
They said: “If a police officer gives you the ol’ ‘number 1 stop sign’… please stop as soon as your brakes will safely cause you to do so without creating a brown-trousers moment for the driver(s) behind you.”
They added: “There’s a reason I’m asking you to stop that perhaps you can’t see, and I don’t have the time or capacity to explain it via intricate flag waving or interpretative dance: please, just stop.”
According to the post, only two drivers failed to comply over a period of around two hours.
The pothole was measured using what the officer described as a “highly scientific method” involving a broom, estimating its depth at around two and a half feet.
The officer said they had considered taking a photograph standing inside the hole, but decided against it.
