DRIVERS will soon be unable to take advantage of a parking loophole on Hereford's Widemarsh Street.

Delivery vehicles and private cars have been parking along the city centre street where it is believed drivers cannot be ticketed because of an admin error.

The road is closed to vehicles for the majority of the day but early risers can drive down the street early in the day and leave their car parked for free even after the barriers go up close to the Newmarket Street junction.

But Balfour Beatty confirmed today that they will soon start remedial and investigation works on Widemarsh Street through to Broad Street's East Street junction.

Herefordshire Council says the works are necessary in advance of further refurbishment works planned for the High Town area.

To enable the works to be carried out, a road closure will be required and thus a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) will be implemented on Widemarsh Street from Monday for a minimum duration of five weeks.

Shops and businesses will continue to have access for loading and unloading during the delivery times of 7am to 10.30am and 4.30pm to 7pm.

Balfour Beatty staff will be available to assist delivery vehicles exiting Widemarsh Street, High Street or Broad Street.

Any parked vehicles not loading or unloading during the above time frames will be subject to enforcement.

The provision of taxis on Widemarsh Street between 7pm and 7am will remain the same.

The TTRO will also prevent through traffic and vehicles from accessing Widemarsh Street to park.