COUNCIL chiefs today warned of a crackdown on motorists flouting new road signs in Brighton.

As more motoring mayhem jammed the town centre, the council accused rush-hour drivers of flouting the new regulations in a bid to dodge traffic hell. And they warned they will work with the police to guard against anyone ignoring the signs, put up as part of the London Road traffic management scheme. It could mean police sending squads of traffic wardens to hot spots in the town. The get-tough stand follows a gridlock of cars yesterday at Preston Circus when angry commuters disregarded no entry signs and drove south along London Road. Queues of cars 300 yards long blocked Stanford Avenue and Ditchling Road as rush-hour traffic was diverted along Viaduct Road for the first time. Most side roads were congested as drivers looked for ways out of the chaos. Today, congestion was slightly eased when temporary traffic lights in North Street at the junction of Ship Street were moved after five weeks. They were in place while telecommunication manholes were replaced. Under the £4 million scheme, only buses and taxis are allowed to use the southbound carriageway of London Road. Now police say traffic wardens could be sent in to keep drivers in check. Aspokesman for Brighton and Hove Council said: "We have a problem with motorists abusing the new bus lane along London Road. "We have asked the police to provide extra cover during the first week. We will be monitoring the situation very closely. "There will be extra signs going up to warn motorists. Yesterday the police did escort two lorries along London Road because it would have caused more disruption to make them go the proper way." Acting Insp Andy Eastwood, of Brighton Police, said: "At the moment we will not be deploying police resources. "If the problems continue one option would be to send traffic wardens to the area." Bo Furdas, project manager of the traffic scheme, said: "We are encouraging the police to man Preston Circus junction throughout the day for as long as necessary. "Motorists who flout the regulations are breaking the law."

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