TRAFFIC changes on a road into Blackburn town centre are confusing motorists, according to traders.

Many drivers are falling foul of the restrictions imposed on Penny Street, risking a £40 police fine.

And the bus-only stretch created by the changes is not yet being used by buses.

As part of the council’s plan to encourage cars onto the ‘orbital route’ around town, motorists are no longer allowed down Penny Street from its junction with Brown Street, which has become a restricted bus, cycle and taxi lane.

This week anyone flouting the restriction became liable to an on-the-spot fine.

But yesterday the Lancashire Telegraph watched a string of drivers ignore the sign and continue down Penny Street towards Church Street.

Others became confused when confronted with the no-entry signs where the only exit to a new mini roundabout is the pay and display car park next to Thwaites brewery.

Anthony Crompton, a magistrate and deputy manager of Harvey and Thompson pawnbrokers on Penny Street said: “Cars keep coming down there.

"I think there is still confusion and it’s certainly affected our passing trade.”

Irfan Patel, who works in a nearby delicatessen, said: “I don’t know why the council has done this.

"People are finding it very confusing.”

It is understood bus operators have yet to adapt their route maps to make use of the new bus lane, and are still using other routes into town.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council wants to move the town’s bus station to Penny Street after the market has moved from the site in May.

Dave Harling, in charge of regeneration at the town hall, said: “If there were lots of buses zooming down there all day it would make it more clear to people.

"The plan is to reduce the number of cars going onto that stretch into the town centre.

“It always takes time with any changes to a road system. ”