MARKET town motorists are being warned they must adhere to new traffic regulations or risk being fined.

The warning comes from police following the major redevelopment in Chester-le-Street, particularly in Front Street, in the past six months.

The road layout has changed, with access now limited to buses and emergency vehicles between the library and the market place.

Loading and unloading is also permitted at commercial premises in Front Street, but only on the condition it takes place in a designated bay and if the business concerned has no entry to the rear. The vehicle involved must also have a blue permit.

Signs have been displayed for some time with details of the new restriction, but many drivers are either ignoring them or are unaware of them.

From next Wednesday, police community support officers (PCSOs) in the town will make regular patrols of the area to ensure the message is getting through.

Chester-le-Street's resident community support team, PCSOs Adrian Richards, Mick Orridge, Christine Taylor and Dave Uzzell, and new recruits Jeff Russell and Mark Lumsden, are involved in the campaign.

Mr Richards said: "In recent months, Chester-le-Street District Council and Durham County Council have made a number of improvements in the town centre area. But too many motorists are ignoring the new regulations in the 'pedestrian zone', leading to an increase in traffic.

"We hope over the initial few days drivers will get the message that the road layout has changed. But after the honeymoon period, anyone caught driving in the restricted area without a valid reason can expect a fixed penalty fine."

They will work closely with operators of Chester-le-Street's security camera system to stop non-essential vehicles in the restricted area.

From May 9, anyone ignoring the regulations can expect a £30 fine.

The operation is being supervised by town centre beat officer PC Craig Johnson.

As well as patrols by the PCSOs, police officers will also be involved in patrolling the area.