Contradictory speed restrictions are causing havoc among puzzled motorists.

Drivers heading towards Cocking Causeway, near Midhurst, are told they can drive up to 50mph at the same time as slowing down to 30mph.

Two signs even appear to be tailored to people driving on the wrong side of the road and face away from oncoming drivers.

Tony Else, 52, who lives in Chichester Road, Midhurst, said said: "It's confusing.

"You don't know where you are - should you stick to the slower one or the other way around? It's very odd."

On one stretch of nearby Oaklands Lane, drivers travelling in one direction are supposed to stick to a 40mph until they hit a 60mph national speed limit sign.

Drivers in the opposite direction leaving the 60mph section are told by one sign they can drive at 50mph and by another on the same post they should not exceed 30mph.

Samantha Seymour, who lives near the sign in Pine Close, said: "There is no way it should be 60mph in either direction. It is dangerous and we have small children here.

"We complained ages ago and asked them to put a limit in, we hear nothing and then they put up this 60mph sign right by the entrance to our close. It's ridiculous."

The council said the contradictory signs were the fault of a prankster.

A spokesman said: "We are putting in a speed management safety scheme on these roads and have a temporary 30mph limit in place while the work takes place.

"We have a policy of putting the temporary limit in the place where motorists would expect to see a speed limit sign and covering up the existing speed limit or the new one that is coming into force when the work is completed.

"In this case it seems someone has removed black plastic sheeting that was covering up either the temporary limit or the new speed limit."