Drivers in Wales find translator out of the office

[November 03, 2008]  LONDON (AP) -- In English, the road sign was just fine, warning drivers that the route ahead is not suitable for heavy trucks.

But the translation in Welsh didn't work so well. "I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated," it said.

Swansea Council says the embarrassing error occurred when officials didn't realize an e-mailed reply from a translator was a warning that he wasn't available, not the wording to be used on the sign.

Road signs in Wales and in some parts of Scotland often carry messages in English and a second language, usually without a problem.

Swansea Council spokesman Patrick Fletcher said Friday the misleading sign in Swansea, southern Wales, is being taken down and replaced.

[Associated Press]

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