Despite its best efforts to inform the public of the correct diversionary routes during Network Rail’s bridge closure on Ashley Road, concern has been raised by Bournemouth Borough Council following news that, since last Thursday (5 November), around 800 motorists have been caught driving through Kings Park despite clear signing emphasising that this link is for local buses (and cyclists) only. Approximately 800 £60 penalty charge notices have been issued to drivers, or are in the process of being issued, with many motorists receiving more than one penalty charge – in fact some motorists have been observed driving through four times a day. Councillor Robert Lawton, Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport commented: “I am very concerned that despite our numerous attempts to advise and warn motorists, people are continuing to drive through the park. “We don’t want to be in this situation and therefore we have taken every possible measure to inform people that they are not allowed to drive through Kings Park. The correct signage is in place warning people that only buses are allowed through the park and our officers were onsite for two weeks advising people of the correct diversions. We also allowed a period of time when we only issued warning letters to motorists before we informed people last week that we would be issuing penalty charge notices. “Again I would like to urge motorists to use the correct diversionary routes and not drive through Kings Park as they do risk a penalty charge notice. The camera does not flash so drivers may think that they are getting away with it.” The correct diversionary routes are as follows: • From the west go via Wessex Way to St Paul’s and St Swithun’s Roundabouts and on Christchurch Road • From the north and east leave the A338 Spur Road at Cooper Dean and follow the ‘Boscombe’ signs to go via Iford then onto Christchurch Road and through Pokesdown • From Bournemouth Town Centre or Christchurch, the normal route via Christchurch Road is not affected. Councillor Lawton added: “For the duration of the Ashley Road Bridgeworks project, any Police vehicles that are responding to an incident in which members of the public require police attendance will be permitted the use ofKings Park as part of their route to the scene.” | 
