A LARGE lorry blocked a narrow Lakeland road for more than five hours yesterday after a driver got stuck after following satellite navigation directions.

Police were called to assist the driver of a Co-op lorry when the vehicle became jammed at the top of Red Bank Road, in Grasmere, at around 10.30am. Officers cleared the road at around 4pm.

Leslie Johnson, chairman of Lakes Parish Council, said the council had been working with Cumbria highways since October to put warning signs in place at the bottom of Red Bank Road.

“This is far too common an occurrence and we as a council have contributed money for signs and we are all very stroppy about the long delay.

“It is just one long procession of vehicles using sat navs and going towards the Langdales.

"It’s a problem councils are struggling with all over the country.”

Ben Mellor, of Cumbria Police said: “We urge motorists to take a common sense approach to the use of sat navs, as they do not take into account the size or weight of your vehicle, or weather conditions.”

Bev Dennison, owner of Broadrayne Farm and Hostel, in Grasmere, said: “I believe this is not the first time that a Co-op lorry has done the same trick.

“New road signs are due for the Grasmere side of Red Bank.”