Police are slamming members of the public who're ignoring road closure signs on the A591 near Thirlmere and the western shore road, following several incidents yesterday.
The force says people on foot and on bikes "effectively forced their way" onto the closed road, moving fencing and ignoring instructions from security staff and highways staff.
Several then went past heavy machinery which is still working to remove tonnes of debris from the site.
A spokesperson says the action was "extremely irresponsible, put their safety at risk and wasted the time of council staff working hard to repair the road".
Ystrday people forced their way on to #A591. Wastes staff time, delays work & is dangerous. Pls STOP. #cumbriafloods pic.twitter.com/9Rc4NrFoLK
— CumbriaCountyCouncil (@CumbriaCC) January 7, 2016
Police are reminding local people that it's an offence under the Road Traffic Act of 1988, and people will be held liable for their actions.
At present, a footpath is in place for school pupils only, to link two school bus routes.
A statement reads: "Some confusion may have arisen due to incorrect reporting on Tuesday evening, which suggested a temporary road connection was being established along the full length of the eastern side of the reservoir, above the existing road.
"This is not the case. The temporary road connection will only bypass the collapsed section of road on Dunmail Raise, allowing a connection to the western shore road."
A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council added: "This kind of behaviour is unacceptable - we have heavy machinery operating removing fallen trees and tonnes of rock debris from the site. Heavy wagons are continually moving up and down the road. To have people think it is OK to ignore council staff and go 'sightseeing' along the road is baffling. This kind of action constitutes a criminal offence and we will take action if it is required."