Drivers flouting no entry at Middleton Gardens

The highway from Long Street through Middleton Gardens through to Wood Street is'No Entry' to all vehicles except buses, taxis and for loading/unloading.

Many drivers are flouting this law by driving through, oblivious to the signage, which is in situ at the Long Street entrance and thereby causing considerable danger to pedestrians and other road users.

A police spokesman said: "Some drivers may be confused, as this is a European Union standard sign and not the usual 'red circle with white bar' No Entry we all know from the Highway Code.

"However, ignorance of the law is still no excuse, the signage is legal and enforceable and when the signage is upgraded within the next few weeks, the police and partner agencies will begin action to restrict vehicle access at that point by targeting the inconsiderate drivers.

"Additional wording to the signage will be placed at the Long Street entrance to Middleton Gardens warning that no vehicles are permitted, but after that, drivers risk prosecution, three points and a fine for any contravention recorded by police officers and enforcement cameras.

"It should also be noted that any driver having an accident in that area will automatically be deemed at fault by the insurance companies as they should not have been driving in that area."