Still Running Late

A couple of comments about our road works at Livermead. First, I can not understand why a firm of contractors have been employed to carry out this important, major road works for British Gas when they actually only have a work force of three people. OK. They may have more but over the last 2 weeks since the lights went up I have driven past the 6 holes in the road 42 times and have never seen more than 3 work men actually doing any work. Well; to be truthful I did see two gentlemen in yellow jackets holding a large piece of paper and scratching their heads as they turned it round a couple of times to try and work out if the holes in the road had even been dug in the right places. But under their yellow outerwear were business suits so I don't believe for one second that they were about to pick up a shovel and start digging. Talking of picking up a shovel the work is scheduled to continue until Christmas Eve. The Mayor, Nic Bye has been invited to attend and will, with a specially gold plated shovel (I did say we were talking about shovels) throw the last few grams of dirt into the last hole before helping to throw the temporary traffic lights onto the back of a truck. He will then cut a ribbon draped across the road and declare the road "Open at last."

Second (remember I did say a couple of comments), why haven't the local council, Torbay Council, put up signs well before us poor drivers get anywhere near the road works saying, "Delays ahead, please use alternative route." It isn't as if there isn't an alternative route. There is. If there is a strong East Wind blowing around the time of high tide then this road is closed due to the 30 foot high waves that inconveniently come crashing over the sea wall and threaten to drown any passing motorist. So there is an escape route which is clearly sign posted that car drivers could use which would not help them much as it takes 20 minutes to drive through but it would make it easier for us bus drivers who have to go through the road works. I timed how long it took to get from Oldway Mansion in Preston to the traffic lights today, 21 minutes. Usually about 5. That's a lot of wasted time. Still not long till Christmas.

Nothing to do with the road works, Paignton Bus station at 3:45 this afternoon. It's usually a bit busier that this. I wonder where all the buses are?