A NEW one-way system in Accrington is causing ‘absolute chaos’ for drivers.

The no-entry and no-right-turn signs on St James’ Street, off Cannon Street, prevent residents driving down what was originally a one-way street past Accrington library.

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Drivers said they were continuing to use the blocked off road as a one-way street out of ‘habit’.

Kate Birtles, from Clayton-le-Moors, said: “When you are travelling in unknown places, you look out for these type of signs, but when you come across a change in traffic flow, you do what you have been doing for the last several decades.”

Residents had also complained about the issue on Facebook.

One resident said: “It’s very confusing when drivers have been used to it for so long. You end up going round in circles.”

The new road layout directs drivers along Blackburn Road from the Railway Pub towards Accrington centre.

Cllr Tim O’Kane, Mayor of Hyndburn, said: “Often satnavs can direct people down the wrong roads and this is causing problems.

“The council is doing their best and have got to put things in place in a safe way. We would like to encourage people to use the Highway Code. Please respect the fact that the road is clearly marked with a no-entry sign.

“While I have got some sympathy with the drivers because it is new, if it had not been altered, we would have received more complaints.”

Dwayne Lowe, Lancashire County Council highways manager for Hyndburn, said: “We’ve worked with Hyndburn Council and the local Chamber of Trade to agree a number of changes to the way traffic is managed in central Accrington, which include switching the direction of some one-way streets, and making changes to parking restrictions and taxi stands.

“This is intended to make it easier for Hyndburn Council to hold events and make improvements to the heritage area near the town hall and market hall, and improve access to the bus station.

“The changes were introduced on Sunday using an experimental traffic order, which allows us to monitor the way they’re working and make adjustments if necessary before deciding whether to confirm the order.

“We put up signs alerting people to the new road layout and junction priorities, however a number of drivers continued to follow their normal routine, and we reinforced the warnings on Monday with extra signage and barriers.”