SINCE structural problems have arisen on several rail bridges in the Bolton area, there have been regular incidents of motorists ignoring traffic restrictions.

As our report in this edition demonstrates, in just one 20-minute morning period, 37 drivers were logged using the Newport Street bridge in the town centre. This is currently restricted to buses and taxis only.

The situation there is particularly awkward because the spot is very busy, and close to the bus and rail interchange. Taxi drivers, especially, struggle to pull out into the constant stream of traffic on this restricted section.

They are adamant that motorists are wrong to use it. One points out that insurance companies are unlikely to pay out on vehicles damaged in accidents when drivers ignore No Entry signs.

And that's the rub.

Signposting here is not as clear as it could be, leading drivers to become uncertain as to what is open and what is closed.

It is easy to understand their confusion when there do not appear to be enough signs, and placed in spots where they can be warned in time, saying that the road is closed to any other vehicles.

It is Bolton Council's responsibility, and assistant director of highways Mr Jeff Layer has promised to look at ways of reinforcing signing.

The police are likely to wait until signs are crystal clear and then, hopefully, start to act against motorists who clearly transgress traffic instructions.

It is easy to act selfishly in a car, especially when time is short. But, drivers could be putting themselves and others at real risk of injury by using closed stretches.

Cool heads are needed here, to assess the situation early, and act both sensibly and within the law.