Drivers flouting Stone High Street rules to be hit with on-the-spot fines
The area was pedestrianised to encourage more people back into shops and restaurants
Motorists who flout traffic restrictions on the High Street in Stone are to be hit with on-the-spot fines.
Stafford Borough Council and the local policing team will be carrying out a joint operation in a bid to stop motorists breaking rules which they say is putting pedestrians at risk.
It follows the recent refresh of the ‘Our Beautiful Borough’ campaign which is designed to get more residents and visitors using local shops, eating out places, and other businesses in town centres including Stone.
More than 40 motorists were warned earlier this year in an operation by the council and police to highlight the dangers on the pedestrianised High Street.
The street is covered by a ‘Traffic Regulation Order’ and ‘Public Space Protection Order’ which prevents vehicles and pedal cycles from driving or cycling through unless they have an exemption.
Now, following complaints about drivers ignoring the restrictions, the authorities say they will be taking tougher action and anyone seen breaching the order, by an authorised officer, - in person or via CCTV - will face a £75 penalty.
Exemptions to the public space protection order include the emergency services, loading and unloading anything that cannot be carried by hand - between 4pm and 10am - and post office and cash in transit vehicles. There is no exemption for takeaway delivery drivers or blue badge holders.
Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “We want to encourage more people to come into our local high streets to shop, eat and use the services they offer - and they must be able to do that safely.
“We are still receiving complaints about drivers continuing to flout these restrictions despite previous warnings and operations to highlight the dangers of motorists using the High Street.
“The safety of the public is our primary concern. We said we would take enforcement action if this continued to be an issue, and this is what we will now be doing.”
Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, of Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have made efforts to promote the restrictions to avoid having to take enforcement action - however as people are continuing to breach we will have to issue tickets.”
Details of the dates and times of the operation have not been released.