A motorist who turned into a road with new "no entry" signs has complained of harsh treatment after she was given an on-the-spot fine and points on her licence.

Lucy Gough, 48, was driving in heavy traffic on Milnthorpe Road in Kendal and decided to turn right into South Road near the Chinese takeaway.

"Suddenly there was this no entry sign," she said. "I suppose because it was so shocking I carried on through. I thought I would turn into one of the side roads and turn round again."

A police officer stopped her and she was fined £60 and given three penalty points.

She has appealed and is considering taking the matter to court because she believes it was a harsh punishment, particularly because the signs were relatively new.

The no entry signs were not well positioned because you did see them until you had entered the road, she said. The police officer told her he had stopped eight other drivers.

"I just think the penalty is extremely harsh, and the no entry sign is in the wrong place it should be further down the road."

Her friend John Wilmer, who was in the car, wanted to warn other drivers about the road closure.

The signs were put up to prevent rat-running from Milnthorpe Road to Romney Road via the narrow streets of South Road and West Street. A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said the signs had been requested by residents, and there had been no objections when they were advertised.

Traffic management officer Roger Mallett said there was an appropriate warning sign on Milnthorpe Road heading towards Kendal.

"The no entry signs along South Road are approximately 50 metres from the junction with a chicane. Anybody who drives into there and does not see the signs or realise something has changed cannot be driving with full attention."

Asked whether motorists should be given a warning before being fined he said: "With the changes they have made to the road and location, driver should be aware something has changed and pay enough attention."

April 16, 2003 09:30