More than 50 motorists have been stopped in just one month for speeding or driving the wrong way along Welshpool’s new controversial one-way system, it has emerged.

Boy racers have been warned to slow down and new signage will stop motorists driving the wrong way. The controversial system has attracted dozens of complaints from motorists who say they don’t like it.

But Welshpool Town Council clerk Robert Robinson said the system had been in the pipeline for 10 years and it was too late for residents to start complaining now.

He said: “We’ve had a few teething problems, especially at the start, but things seem to be ironing themselves out now.

“However, we have had cases when some motorists have been caught driving in the wrong direction and it can be potentially very dangerous for them and other drivers.

“I realise that some people might forget but in some cases it’s deliberate.

“We had a case a few weeks ago when someone moved traffic bollards and deliberately drove the wrong way and this behaviour just can’t and won’t be tolerated.

“Police in Welshpool have stopped more than 50 motorists for traffic offences since the system was introduced and they will be keeping a watchful eye on the situation.”

He said some boy racers had also been taking advantage of the new system.

“We’ve had a few incidents where boy racers have been caught speeding.

“But I don’t think the problem has increased anymore than it was before the system was introduced.

“Welshpool does have problems with some boy racers but I’m sure it’s the same throughout the UK.

“It’s something that needs to be kept an eye on though.”

He added that there would be some delays in Mill Lane from Monday while resurfacing work is carried out.

“Traffic lights will be out for a few days from Monday while work is carried out in Mill Lane.

“There’s a part of road that wasn’t level and it needs to be resurfaced,” he said.

“It will not affect the one-way system though,” he added.

By Anwen Evans