New warning over rat-run

11:44am Friday 20th April 2007

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POLICE have issued more than 70 fines to motorists using a rat-run - but warned that a long-term solution needs to be found.

Officers say that motorists are continuing to use Moseley Road in Burnley as a short cut despite them putting extra measures in place.

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The road, between Burnley Wood and Rosehill, is restricted to access only but motorists are ignoring clear signs and the police enforcement activity.

At a public meeting called by the police and Burnley's Multi Agency Problem Solving Team (MAPs), Community Beat Manager PC John Fisher said that around 70 fixed penalty fines had been issued over the last year.

He said another way of tackling the problem had to be found.

PC Fisher said: "We're continually monitoring the road and issuing dozens of fines every month but as soon as we turn our backs to deal with other issues, people are speeding through again.

"With that in mind, we were keen to meet residents to discuss longer term solutions hence the get together which we arranged and chaired at St Stephen's Church last week."

PC Fisher added: "This is a community problem and it is great to see the community coming forward with ideas to help solve it.

"Some of the solutions put forward were not appropriate but others will now be taken forward and put to Lancashire Country Council.

"In the meantime, I would like to renew our previous warning to motorists: if you continue to ignore the restrictions, you will be caught and issued with a ticket.

"Public safety is of paramount importance to us and the residents.

"If you don't want a fine, then don't use this road unless you have legitimate access."

Residents' suggestions included traffic calming measures like build-outs to stop cars speeding, road closure orders for football match days when the road is particularly busy and automatic pop-up bollards.