SOME motorists have been spotted flouting restrictions banning long vehicles from using a busy exit road.

Since February, Hallstile Bank, in Hexham, has been closed to long vehicles in a bid by Northumberland County Council to make the area safer for pedestrians.

However, members of the public have reported to the council that some drivers have been ignoring the restrictions.

Roger Howell, who lives on the road, said he recently saw two long vehicles, an HGV measuring at around 30 feet and a coach, use the road within quick succession.

He said: “I have to say that Hallstile Bank is now a better place and the majority of operators have taken the restriction on board. However, the signage is poor and the restrictive sign is only apparent when the offending vehicle is past the point of no return.”

A spokesman for the county council said, that while the enforcement powers lay with Northumbria Police, it would encourage residents to report vehicles which contravened the length restriction to get in touch so the council could make direct contact with the companies involved. He said: “The county council is pleased that the majority of road users are observing the new length restriction on Hallstile Bank and that its introduction has resulted in a marked improvement in the environment for pedestrians using this route and local residents.”