MOTORISTS could be fined or handed points on their licence if they breach the new traffic rules in Braintree town centre.

A permanent ban on traffic travelling along Market Place, Great Square and High Street was put in place yesterday as part of the pedestrianisation of the town centre.

Only emergency vehicles can travel down the roads, while exceptions are also being made to deliveries on High Street between 6am and 10am each day.

New signs have been installed to warn drivers about the changes and bollards are expected to be installed in pedestrianised zones later this year.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the new traffic ban in Braintree town centre

Braintree Council says unauthorised vehicles found in pedestrian zones in the town centre could be slapped with a fine and penalty points if prosecuted by police.

But a spokesman for the council said Marlborough Highways - which is responsible for the improvement works taking place in the town centre - will be monitoring the closure over the next couple of weeks and will look to assist and inform drivers about the changes, rather than taking direct action against them.