High Street traffic controls 'a failure'

It had never matched its aspirations because the traffic controls and restrictions along the road had never been properly implemented.

"Traffic of all shapes and sizes continues to drive through the semi-pedestrianised section, the whole length of the High Street and York Road, with total impunity and total disregard for the traffic signs at each point of access," he said.

This was far removed from the scheme's intentions to be the start of the wider regneration of Bognor.

Chief Inspector Brian Bracher, of Sussex Police, said his officers and traffic wardens were taking action against law-breaking motorists around the High Street.

"We are issuing about 500-600 tickets a month within Bognor town centre, the vast majority in this particular area," he said at the joint western Arun area committee. "There has been some targeted enforcement."

He said talks had been held with county highways officers and others to find another way to ensure the ban on vehicles except for buses and those from the emergency services along the High Street's central section was observed.

"Enforcement is not the answer. People are always willing to take the risk and take the chance," he added.