TRADERS in one of Preston's shopping streets claim they have been dealt 'a final blow' by council chiefs after new traffic restrictions came into force.

Preston Borough Council has introduced regulations - designed to make bus travel into the town centre much quicker - banning cars from turning right off Ringway onto Friargate, and turning right from Friargate in to Ringway.

Instead cars will have to use Corporation Street, which is already congested.

The new rules, which have been imposed on a six-month trial basis, have been condemned by traders in Friargate, who believe it will hit their trade.

Robert Hilton-Jones, who runs Stuarts Leathers, said: "Once again, we haven't been consulted on a matter which could cost people their livelihoods.

"We are already cut off from the centre by the ring road.

"It is always busy along here, but it's no worse than anywhere else. It seems pointless and, what's more, people are ignoring it."

Preston's Chamber of Trade has also expressed concern about the plans, while the Friargate Brow Traders Association expressed 'mixed feelings' towards the plan.

The regulations were put in place following the introduction of a new quality bus route, which runs from the bus station to Ingol.

The scheme is designed to make bus travel more attractive for commuters, and new shelters, buses and stops are being used on the route. Taxi drivers have also been banned from the route, prompting fears that fares could rocket as the battle on clogged-up roads.

Drivers' spokesman Sandra Chesters said: "We try to get people from A to B as quickly as possible.

"By restricting the routes open to us in such a daft manner will clog up the roads and force prices up."

But a spokesman for Preston Borough Council said: "The idea is to make buses more attractive and reduce the number of cars on the road. Any objections will be passed onto committee."

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