New bollards which rise out of road installed

The council has warned motorists not to tailgate drivers passing through the new rising bollards

New rising bollards have been installed around main shopping streets in Leicester to make sure unauthorised cars cannot drive into the pedestrianised zone.

Leicester City Council has replaced existing bollards and installed new ones in 18 locations over the last few months.

The bollards will lower into the ground to allow vehicles into the pedestrianised zone during the hours allowed for loading and unloading, but will prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering the zone at all other times.

The council has warned motorists trying to access the area that they must wait for a green light and should not tailgate other vehicles.

Leicester City Council has installed the bollards around the city's main shopping streets

There are now bollards in place in Belgrave Gate, Cank Street, Carts Lane, Cheapside, Church Gate, East Gates, Fox Lane, Gallowtree Gate, Grey Friars, Guildhall Lane, Haymarket, High Street, Hotel Street, Humberstone Gate, Loseby Lane, Shires Lane, St Martin's Square and King Street.

Letters detailing the changes have been sent to every residential and business address within the pedestrian zone.

Eligible residents and businesses inside the zone will need to use a new authentication system with PIN code to gain entry outside allowable hours.

The allowable hours are 05:00 to 11:00, except on Saturdays when the time will be from 5:00 to 09:00.

One-time use PIN codes can also be issued to those with legitimate reasons for accessing the zone outside of the allowable hours.

The council's highways director Martin Fletcher said: "Leicester's pedestrian zone was established back in 2006, and the infrastructure installed at that time needed renewing or replacing to ensure it continued to be fit for purpose.

"By upgrading infrastructure and tightening up access for vehicles to the pedestrian zone, we can more effectively clamp down on those who abuse the system and continue to provide an environment for shopping and leisure activities where people can feel safe."