POLICE cracked down on drivers who breached controversial road rules in Cirencester town centre, with eight motorists caught in just one morning.

Officers stopped the eight motorists who were driving in the pedestrian zone in Cricklade Street on Tuesday morning.

Many of the drivers were said to be local, and they were all issued with a £50 fine for breaching the traffic order which bans vehicles from the road for most of the day from Monday to Saturday.

However, many motorists have argued that the signs which announce the restrictions are not clear enough.

One driver was also caught not wearing his seatbelt, police said.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: "A busy morning for PC Richie in the Cricklade Street pedestrian zone.

"Eight motorists, many local, were issued with £50 fines for breaching the traffic order.

"And yes, we are consulting with councils for clearer order and signs."

Cricklade Street is closed to vehicles from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday after police began enforcing the restrictions in 2017.

The only exemptions are vehicles delivering to shops within Cricklade Street.

Vehicles that are given permits by Gloucestershire County Council are also allowed, but no permits have been given by the county council for use of the street during these restricted hours.

Many drivers have complained about the decision to enforce the closure of Cricklade Street to vehicles, which was part of wider changes to the traffic layout in Cirencester town centre in 2017 which saw Castle Street changed from two-way to one-way.

These changes, which meant motorists could no longer drive out of the town centre via Castle Street, have resulted in some drivers using Cricklade Street.