THERE have been long queues of traffic into and out of Zeal Monachorum this evening, Thursday, June 20, which has angered many local residents.

The traffic includes many large vehicles, including tractors, lorries and a wide range of other vehicles taking young people from Chulmleigh College to their school prom at Hayne on the outskirts of the village.

Local residents say that they were not informed that there would be such an event and those travelling to and from the village have experienced significant delays, some more than an hour.

On social media some residents said that they were told by some of those attending that they had been instructed to use a one-way system to attend the event, but no local residents had been informed.

Also, it is said that with large vehicles on small country lanes, it makes it incredibly difficult to pass in even a wider passing place.

It is believed this has led to the traffic jams.

The traffic was half-a-mile long on the B3220 between Morchard Road and Coldridge at the Stop Gate entrance to the village from about 6pm to 8pm and there were also significant delays and jams on the Bow entrance.

One resident said that he was concerned about carers reaching a person in need and was angry that there was no prior warning.

Another resident said he was writing to the local authority, stating: “This should not happen without proper traffic management and notice.  Totally Unacceptable”.

“What happens if we need an ambulance”, was another comment from a local resident.

The local residents fear that the traffic queues will again build up when the event finishes later this evening.