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Bollard crash drivers could end up in court
Motorists who crash into Manchester's controversial rising bollards could face court action in a council crackdown.
Two more cars collided with the bollards on Cross Street last week, the latest in a string of vehicles which have been damaged by the barriers.
But city centre spokesman Pat Karney insisted the bollards will stay and said Manchester council planned to prosecute people who crash into them.
Electronic bollards will soon be used to ban cars from a Preston street after drivers ignored warnings.
Cheapside in the city centre is supposed to be a daytime pedestrian zone from Monday to Saturday but vehicles continue to use the road which runs alongside the Flag Market.
Now, CCTV-monitored rising bollards are to be installed at the junction of Fishergate to ban cars every day, including Sundays.
Mr Karney blasted the "silly and selfish" motorists who have hit the bollards in Manchester.
The bollards are designed to allow buses and emergency vehicles through by activating a sensor, but they rise again immediately after the vehicle has passed - blocking the way for any cars which are tailgating.
He said: "We've got flashing warnings signs, we have loud audio warnings, and signs clearly saying no tailgating. What part of these warnings do these silly, selfish motorists not get?
"We are going to be chasing these drivers to make sure they pay for any damage to the bollards, and we are checking to see if we can prosecute under the Road Traffic Act.
"The whole point of the bollards in the city centre is to maximise pedestrian safety on a small stretch of roadway, and we have been successful in making sure there have been no serious incidents involving people on foot.
"There seems to have been some suggestion that the council is reviewing the idea of bollards, but that is not the case. They are definitely going to stay."
A number of cars - plus a bus and even a fire engine - have been damaged in the past when bollards rose in front of them.
They were installed three years ago, and should fall automatically when approached by Metroshuttle buses and emergency vehicles which are fitted with special sensors.
>> Bollards will be used to block rat run
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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