TRAFFIC measures introduced in light of the Butts Bridge works have been overhauled after the “horrendous” trouble on Alton’s roads.

Reports of motorists mounting pavements, driving across the Butts green and moving signs set alarm bells ringing this week.

So councillors met with the police and construction firm Knights Brown to hash out a solution on Tuesday, with a number of further measures agreed.

These include installing CCTV cameras, barriers on the Butts and a temporary pedestrian crossings at Ackender Road.

“This week has been a difficult one, both for the local people of Alton and us, as contractor for the Butts Bridge Highways Improvements,” a Knights Brown spokesman explained.

“The diversion arrangements that have been put in place were arrived at after lengthy consultation and considerable compromise between Knights Brown, Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council, Alton Town Council and various associations, committees and interested parties active in Alton.

“We believe these arrangements are still the best option for the greatest number of people and if everybody abided by them, they would work satisfactorily.

“Regrettably, some drivers have decided these arrangements shouldn’t apply to them and are putting themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk.”

They have received reports of drivers “ignoring ‘no entry’ signs and driving against the flow of traffic in one-way sections”, “physically moving road barriers” to “drive around the road closure”, “bump over pavements and drive across Butts green”.

Motorists have also been “redirecting or moving signs”, “ignoring advisory notices indicating routes unsuitable for diverted traffic” and driving “at excessive speed on the diversion route and other roads signed unsuitable for diverted traffic”.

“Not only are these drivers risking their own and others’ safety, they are breaking the law,” the spokesman added.

“The diversion route and the associated one-way restrictions and HGV prohibitions are legalised by a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order which sets out the measures required to support the temporary closure of part of Whitedown Lane.”

In response to these issues, they have installed additional signs, both in the town and on the A31/ A32, to provide more information and direction to road users.

A marshal has been situated at the entrance to Northfield Lane off the Chawton Park roundabout during peak periods.

They are also installing additional water-filled road safety barriers at the junction of Northfield Lane and Chawton Park Road, and at the top end of Ackender Road. It’s hoped this will “further mitigate” the possibility of vehicles bypassing the ‘no entry’ signs, and attempting to travel against the one-way flow.

Supervisors have also been carrying out a minimum of “twice daily checks”, particularly around the morning and evening rush hours, to inspect, repair and reinstate signs, bollards, cones and lighting that have been damaged, moved or “otherwise interfered with”.

There is also now a 24-hour response on standby to respond to any emergency situations and Knights Brown has formally requested further “support and assistance from the Hampshire Constabulary”.

Alton Eastbrooke councillor Dean Phillips said words failed him after he saw a van get stuck on the Butts while trying to cut across.

“Justified complaints have broadly speaking been caused by extraordinary ignorance to following the diversion and disregard to public safety,” he said.

“I must commend Knights Brown for calling a meeting with all the relevant agencies so swiftly to react and make changes to the scheme so soon.”

Queens Road resident Nancy Clarke said she was “appalled by the behaviour” of motorists who “continue to use Kings Road and Queens Road” as a “cut-through”. The situation, she said, was “horrendous”.