AN ELECTRIC bollard system aiming to eradicate the scourge of motorists in a pedestrianised area of Burton town centre will begin within two weeks.
Burton High Street's rising bollards will be tested this week, prior to going live on Monday, November 10.
The project, which comes after a Mail road safety campaign, will stop one of the town's most congested routes being abused by 500 motorists a day.
The £200,000 scheme to protect the already pedestrianised High Street and Market Place is jointly funded by Staffordshire County Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Shops and residents have been getting their electronic access passes over the last few weeks in preparation for the initiative.
Burton county councillor Peter Beresford said: "From November 10, the scheme will go live. It will formalise the existing daytime pedestrianisation, making the shopping environment much safer and shopper friendly. It should be great for people and for business.
"The new system will block access for most vehicles between 10am and 4pm. At long last shoppers will be able to get out and about in a car-free environment.
"The scheme includes new resting points with seats and signs, so shoppers, particularly older residents, can take their ease."
Robert Hardwick, deputy leader for regeneration at East Staffordshire Borough Council, believes the scheme will 'prove its worth'.
He said: "The project will benefit the vast majority of people and businesses, making the town centre a much more attractive place to visit. It will improve both quality of life and the environment.
"The project harnesses tried and tested technology that has proved its worth in other towns around Staffordshire and across the UK.
"Taxis adapted and licensed by East Staffordshire Borough Council to carry wheelchair users will also be allowed to access the High Street and Market Place to drop off disabled customers between 8am and 10am and 4pm to 7pm.
"Police, ambulance and fire service will still be able to get through, as will the postal service, wedding and funeral vehicles, maintenance vehicles, licensed street traders and drivers accessing private car parks in the area. Buses and cyclists will still be able to get through, too."