MEASURES have been introduced to block a Richmond rat-run which residents said was making their lives a misery.

A no-access order will stop traffic using Quarry Road as a short-cut to a nearby trading estate.

Richmond area district police commander, Inspector Charlie Kay, said the action had become necessary to boost the quality of life of residents.

"It has become practice for residents and people visiting the trading estate on Gallowfields to use Quarry Road as a short-cut," he said.

"In a recent survey it was found that more than 900 vehicles used this road for this purpose in just one day.

"This causes a lot of noise and disturbance to those who live on Quarry Hill and increases the risk of accidents, especially with the trafficcoming very quickly down the hill on the approach."

Several options to curb the use of the road, including weight restrictions and traffic calming measures, have been discussed with residents, but these will take time to implement.

In the meantime, the no-access order has been put in place.

This means that any driver who does not have a legitimate need for access to Quarry Road can be prosecuted.

Insp Kay has written to businesses on the trading estate asking for their co-operation. He has asked for them to make the order known to staff, suppliers, customers and visitors.

"I hope that by imposing this order we can improve significantly the situation for the residents of Quarry Road," he said