EXASPERATED police officers warned drivers not to try to escape traffic by driving over central reservations in a road.

Crawley Police shared an image of a car which had become stuck in a grass ditch as it tried to evade queues caused by roadworks.

The force implored with drivers not to follow suit, or they could meet a similar fate, with their actions also having several other negative impacts.

A Crawley Police spokesman said: “We know the roadworks in Crawley are causing long delays, but please do not drive over the central reservations and risk getting stuck in the mud.

“It’s damaging the grass verges and is potentially dangerous as approaching traffic can be travelling at 70mph.”

An AA spokesman warned drivers to expect delays in Ifield Avenue, near Crawley, and connecting roads as a result of the roadworks.

He said: “There are temporary traffic signals due to construction in Ifield Avenue at Ifield Drive.

“There is slow traffic on the A23 Crawley Avenue northbound at Ifield Avenue, in the construction area.

“There are lane restrictions causing delays.”