MOTORISTS in a market town are being warned they must adhere to new traffic regulations or risk being fined.

The warning comes from police following the major redevelopment that has taken place in Chester-le-Street, particularly on Front Street, during the last six months.

The road layout has changed, with access now limited to buses and emergency vehicles between the library and the market place.

Loading and unloading is also permitted at commercial premises on Front Street but only on the condition it takes place in a designated bay and if the business concerned has no entry at the rear.

The vehicle involved must also have a blue permit.

Signs have been displayed for some time with details of the new restrictions but many drivers are either ignoring or remain unaware of them.

From next Wednesday, police community support officers in the town will be making regular patrols of the area to ensure the message is getting across.

Chester-le-Street's resident community support team, PCSOs Adrian Richards, Mick Orridge, Christine Taylor, Dave Uzzell and new recruits Jeff Russell and Mark Lumsden, are all involved in the campaign.

PCSO Richards said: "In recent months Chester-le-Street District Council and Durham County Council have made a number of improvements in the town centre area.

"But too many motorists are ignoring the new regulations in the 'pedestrian zone', leading to an increase in traffic.

"We hope over the initial few days drivers will get the message that the road layout has changed. But after the honeymoon period anyone caught driving in the restricted area without a valid reason can expect a fixed penalty fine."

They will link in with the operators of the town's CCTV system to stop any non-essential vehicles caught in the restricted area.

A honeymoon period covering the first few days will see the PCSOs take an educational approach. But from May 9 anyone ignoring the regulations can expect a £30 fixed penalty fine.

The operation is being supervised by town centre beat officer, PC Craig Johnson.

As well as patrols by the PCSOs, regular police officers will also be paying attention to the issue.