Police share warning to drivers as upgrade work continues in Pontefract town centre
Police have shared a reminder to drivers in Pontefract to avoid the town centre, as upgrade work continues to take place.
The electronic bollards in the town centre are currently being replaced following claims that pedestrians were being placed “at risk”.
Whilst the upgrade work takes place, the town centre is closed to vehicles, except for permit holders, between 10am and 4pm every day.
However, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have now shared a statement on social media to remind motorists of the restrictions in place, following an increase of vehicles using the roads.
The Wakefield East NPT said: ”Whilst we await the installation of the new bollards in Pontefract Town Centre, we would like to remind all drivers of the restrictions that prohibit vehicle access to the precinct between 10am and 4pm as per the signs.
“You may have noticed more police officers in the town centres across the district. This is part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG), an uplift in local officers hopes to boost our efforts to address anti-social behaviour and reduce retail crime.
“Officers will be continuing high-visibility patrols in Pontefract Town Centre and our local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers will be issuing tickets to drivers who disregard the signs”.
The existing restrictions on designated pedestrian zones mean it’s an offence to drive on them, unless authorised.
On the upgrade work, Coun Matthew Morley, the council’s cabinet member for planning and highways, said: “We’re working hard to get the bollard replacements rolled out quickly.
“In the meantime, people still need to follow the restrictions, which are there to protect pedestrians.”