POLICE have warned that motorists who drive through pedestrianised areas in Ipswich that they will be penalised.

POLICE have warned that motorists who drive through pedestrianised areas in Ipswich that they will be penalised.

Members of the public and councillors have raised concerns that some drivers are ignoring the signs, prohibiting all vehicles from using Westgate Street, Tavern Street and Carr Street from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

As a result the Ipswich Central Safer Neighbourhood Team are set to tackle the issue as one of their priorities and warning drivers to check road signs more carefully to ensure that they are not illegally driving down roads.

Inspector Matt Dee of Ipswich Central SNT said: “The current signs are in place to ensure the safety of the community. The central town area of Ipswich is always busy with pedestrians entering the shops and crossing the road. By limiting the times at which vehicles can use the road to specific times of the day, it ensures that the public remains safer.

“Currently we are finding that vehicles and delivery vans are ignoring the clear signage and using these roads during the non-permitted times. This not only endangers the pedestrians using the area but also can cause obstructions and potentially block access for emergency vehicles. Therefore, deliveries should be made at the appropriate allocated times.

“We will be focusing on the centre of Ipswich and will be shortly enforcing a zero tolerance policy. This will mean that offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty notice when caught. We are also looking into Upper Brook Street, Dogs Head Street and specific areas of Buttermarket.”

Their previous priority, which has now been replaced, was focused around tackling speeding issues in Ipswich town centre. Special constables have received training to enable them to use the speed gun, along with other constables.