ROADWORKS are "causing chaos" for residents forced to drive an extra ten miles just to get home.

The B2032 Pebble Hill Road, near Betchworth Station, is closed to northbound traffic for four weeks while EDF Energy Networks reinforces the area's electricity supply.

But people living in the road have been left facing diversions of up to ten miles to get home.

Tony Innes, of Pebble Hill Road, Betchworth, said: "The road is now closed northbound from the A25 right to the top of Pebble Hill Road and it's causing chaos for a number of local residents.

"The problem has been caused by people disregarding the 'road closed' signs, which are right at the entrance, and are coming up the road to find that it is closed."

Mr Innes said those drivers then turn around, which is dangerous when traffic can still travel southbound.

He added: "The police have now had to close the road completely for all northbound traffic, which means that at least 16 houses are completely landlocked."

EDF Energy Networks began work on August 23 to install a three-quarter-mile-long underground cable.

This will boost local electricity distribution and provide for future growth and development in the area.

Fellow Pebble Hill Road resident Jim Gear said: "The fact is when we leave our homes and want to get back we have to go all the way up Reigate Hill and back down the A217 or up Box Hill.

"It's an absolutely huge diversion."

The works, which will not affect the southbound carriageway, are expected to last four weeks.

An EDF Energy Networks spokesman said: "We became aware that some drivers were ignoring warning signs at the end of last week.

"As a result, in consultation with the highways authority and local police, we have increased the signage and moved signs to ensure that drivers are given more time to alter their routes."

The spokesman also said work on the upgrade was on schedule and extra work had been carried out over the bank holiday weekend to speed up the process.

He added: "We regret the short-term problems residents may be experiencing but hope they will appreciate the long-term benefits."

Residents and businesses in the area were all sent letters notifying them of the work and its effects on the road.