It is human nature that motorists will try to find an alternative route if the road ahead is blocked.

But the truth is that many of our rural roads are simply not capable of taking the extra traffic.

Villagers at Islip know only too well of the dangers dangers that were brought home by an horrific crash during yesterday morning's rush hour.

Many of their roads date from the days of the horse and cart.

Yet every day, hundreds of cars pour through the village as drivers try to avoid jams at the Pear Tree roundabout and elsewhere.

Since the start of the roadworks on the A34 between Pear Tree and Weston-on-the-Green, rat-running traffic has become much worse.

Weight limits are often put on rural roads to restrict lorries, but as yet, there are few if any restrictions on other vehicles.

It may be something the Government will have to look at.

Islip isn't the only village with roads unsuitable for heavy traffic.

Meanwhile, drivers using such routes must act responsibly.

It is no good driving as if they were on a motorway.