THE situation is very dangerous and someone is going to be killed.

That's what councillor Karl Love said of traffic arrangements for Old Road in East Cowes.

Works are being undertaken to repair and resurface the main road into the town.

To offset congestion problems, made worse by ferry delays this week and last, Island Roads said it worked with Red Funnel to divert traffic via Old Road.

Traffic is now using the official diversion through quiet residential streets, and has also been set along residential Old Road.

Cllr Love, cabinet member for adult social care, public health and housing needs, has urged residents to 'take whatever safety precautions they can to protect the safety of highway users'.

He cited two factors ­— heavy traffic moving at speed, and the road's lack of a pedestrian walkway ­— as the reasons for speaking out.

Cllr Love believes someone is going to be killed if the same activity on the road continues, and has expressed his concerns to both Island Roads and Red Funnel.

He said he occasionally parks his car on Old Road and would not stop doing so, urging others to 'do what is necessary to protect themselves and their families'.

"That could be wearing safety equipment such as higher visibility jackets or putting up signs in their gardens to ask people to slow down," said Cllr Love.

"We need to deliver a message that the road is dangerous and running too fast.

"Please contact and raise your concerns with Island Roads, the Isle of Wight Council and Red Funnel."

There have been reports of properties literally "shaking" as artic lorries drive by, such is the impact the diversions are having on residents.

Several have complained their sleep is being disrupted, and many more are calling for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced.