The driver was turning from River St onto the bridge to travel north, just before 5pm yesterday, when he found himself square in the path of oncoming traffic; the turning circle of his rig clearly couldn't cope with the tight corner.

Witnesses said the driver then reversed straight back into the 'No Right Turn' sign, firmly wedging himself between it and the guard rail of the bridge.

He was going nowhere fast.

With traffic backing up in both directions, a group of locals jumped to his aid.

Efforts were made to wriggle the sign out of its footings, while others attempted to help the driver inch out of his situation.

Try as they may, nought was working.

That was until an enterprising fella came to the rescue with a saw.

The sign - the bane of so many locals' existence - was quickly hacked down and the caravan was freed at last.

A woman volunteered her services as traffic controller - backing the traffic off the bridge so the caravan could make its drive of shame.

Those who witnessed the debacle marveled at the cool tempers of those who were caught out - not a single car horn or expletive was heard and all waited patiently for things to right themselves.

Save for the twenty minutes noone will ever get back, no damage was done ... except to the sign.

And the bridge is left to smile malevolently to itself in eager anticipation of its next unsuspecting victim.

Boy struck by vehicle at Nambucca Heads

Reinforcements provide welcome relief to local firies