LOCAL drivers have been prosecuted for ignoring the ban on traffic through Wyre Piddle village from the Evesham end.

The police and county council officials are clamping down on offenders and putting clearer signs up for motorists committing the offence by mistake.

Chairman of parish council Richard Murray-Peters said: "Most of us have been trying to behave and go the long way round but there have been some people taking no notice whatsoever," he said.

Worcestershire County Council has agreed to put up clearer signs to clarify the situation for drivers not from the area and who have been confused by the traffic light system.

Dave Tassell, Worcestershire County Council's senior engineer, traffic control systems, said: "It's clear from driver's actions in these instances where they sit for a while obviously waiting for the lights to change that they do not understand the road is closed to all traffic except buses and emergency vehicles."

He explained: "Having discussed the issue with the police we've decided the best course of action is for additional signage explaining the road situation to be put in place and that should cut down on these incidents."

Mike Digger, traffic management advisor to the police, agreed that some drivers did not understand that the new traffic light system and Prohibition of Driving Order is intended to prevent access other than by authorised vehicles. "Up until now officers have used their discretion in deciding whether or not to prosecute offenders. However, from analysis of the camera information it has become more apparent of late that there is now a large number of drivers putting themselves at risk by regularly driving through and ignoring the red traffic lights."

Mr Digger warned: "As a consequence of the increasing danger, a more positive approach has had to be taken and a number of offenders have recently been prosecuted. We will continue to prosecute those who endanger the lives of other road users."