MOTORISTS trying to avoid roadworks on one of the main commuter routes into Southampton are endangering the lives of children, schools and residents have warned.

People living near Bassett Avenue are increasingly concerned that the road closure means drivers are weaving through residential estates to avoid long delays caused by the resurfacing work.

Although the official diversion route takes people down Bassett Green Road, thousands of motorists, frustrated by the delays on this already congested road, are turning off and making their own way into the city.

Marie Charlton, 28, of Honeysuckle Road, said: "Did the council not give any thought to the danger to children when taking the decision to close the south-bound carriageway?

"It's resulted in motorists trying to find alternative routes into the city and flooding residential areas with traffic. Will it take the death of a child to make the council realise what a hare-brained scheme this is?"

Jan Church, head teacher of Bassett Green Primary School, agreed.

She said: "A couple of days ago someone clipped a child with their car, while the girl was walking along a pavement. Luckily the child wasn't hurt, but she was badly shaken up.

"The traffic is terrible, and it's not just the danger that's the problem. The exhaust fumes from the cars are also appalling, especially as the road is right next to the school and the playground."

One mother whose child attends the school is Nicola Kendal, 30, a university worker from Carnation Road. She said: "The traffic is really bad, and it's been this busy since they closed the Avenue.

"It's got to be dangerous for the children, because it's just too busy for a road which isn't meant to be a main route.

"My son's ten. I just won't let him go to school on his own, because I fear for his safety."

However, council bosses said: "There is an official diversion route that goes down Bassett Green Road and that has been fully safety tested.

"We are aware that people are using their local knowledge and are using these routes as rat runs, so it is unfortunately local people who are causing the problems.

Councillor Richard Williams, city council member for transport and the environment, added: "Basically, the problem is that there are two million cars in Hampshire and we have to do the work that's needed on the roads otherwise the situation just gets worse.

"What really needs to be looked at is ways for people to lessen the impact of cars, like car-sharing and other ways to reduce traffic."

An AA spokesman said: "There's always a problem when people find their own routes, and this is why it's important that road works are carried out quickly so people don't try to do this. Therefore, the sooner the work is completed, the better."

Council road chiefs said Bassett Avenue was due to be re-opened by rush hour this morning.