An error in Google Maps has caused a surge of passing lorries through the small village of Lullington in Somerset, UK, after the app began suggesting the settlement as the shortest route to the town of Frome. According to residents, the change in routing began in July and has since caused significant disruption on a single-lane road.

The village’s narrow streets and historic landmarks – from bridges and stone walls to homes listed as Grade II – have suffered damage from lorries attempting to pass through, many of which are heading to a nearby cheese factory. In several cases, drivers have been forced to reverse for long distances in order to free themselves.

Gus Colcowan, chairman of the Lullington parish meeting, says the problem began when maps started directing lorries through the village. “The road is single lane; once a lorry goes in, there’s nowhere to go. They can’t turn around, they can’t easily get back out. They have to reverse the whole way – and that’s disastrous,” he notes.

According to the Daily Mail, Lullington’s bridge has already been damaged twice this year, while residents speak of risks to traditional homes. Nicola Hall, who has lived in the village for 45 years, explains that even thatched roofs have been endangered by large passing vehicles. “The previous damage cost thousands of pounds. No one is taking responsibility,” she says.

A similar experience is described by Tania Barefield, who says that almost every week a lorry gets stuck in the village. In one incident, the recovery process lasted 90 minutes, while a car belonging to her family was damaged. “It’s not the drivers’ fault. They don’t know the area and they simply follow the GPS,” she stresses.

Warning signs recently installed — with messages such as “do not follow sat nav” and “no access for large lorries” — appear to be having an effect, as residents report that the situation has improved in recent days.

According to Colcowan, there has already been communication with the transport company using the route, which has acknowledged that some of the damage was caused by its vehicles and is considering ways to repair it.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council stated that local authorities are working with the Lullington community to address the “inappropriate use of local roads by vehicles heading to nearby businesses.” Navigation systems appear to be playing a key role in the incorrect routing. Additional signage for lorries will be installed in the coming weeks to guide them to more suitable routes.

A local resident summed up the situation saying: “It’s like Google Maps turned us into a shortcut — and that brought chaos and damage.”