MOTORISTS are being urged to abide by the signs in Andover's new-look High Street - or face a fine of up to £60 for illegal use of the area.

Despite the new arrangements for limited access and disabled badge holder parking, some drivers are still not keeping to the rules.

Test Valley Borough Council says that people visiting the town centre on foot have commented on the clear marking and ease of use of the pedestrian area - although some disabled drivers, who have access to the High Street, are still getting familiar with the new layout.

The council's engineering consultancy manager, Mark Lambert, said: "Entry signs for drivers can be seen from Bridge Street.

"The signs have been positioned at a level that keeps them clear of pedestrians, so motorists, please look out for them.

"The signs say no vehicles except for permit holders. The route for permitted vehicles is shown by edge markings which are deliberately subtle to be in keeping with the overall design of the area. The edges of the driver's route are highlighted by bollards, bins and parking bay markings."

"The aim of the design is to make drivers aware that they are in a pedestrian priority area, and that they need to drive with extra care.

"Motorists already appreciate that there is generally limited access for disabled badge holders only, and the number of other people driving into the area is falling. "Additional street furniture will be installed in the near future to provide further assistance to drivers using the new layout."

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