MOTORISTS are being allowed to drive through a bus gate without being fined during a roundabout closure this week.

Work is set to start this evening (Monday, November 20) on the resurfacing of the Cross Keys roundabout at Norton Fitzwarren.

The scheme is set last for five nights, with the roundabout closed between 7.30pm each evening through to 7am the following morning.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council lead member for transport and digital, said: "It had been hoped that the resurfacing of the Cross Keys roundabout would be undertaken as part of a new development nearby.

"When it became clear that that development would not take place in time to fix an already badly degraded surface, I asked for it to be put on our resurfacing programme and that work begins this evening.

"During the works it will not be possible to allow any traffic through the roundabout.

"The periods of closure are 7.30pm through to 7am each night this week - five nights in total. Please note this is a change from what was initially advised.

"In addition to delaying the beginning of each closure, we have also taken the decision to allow traffic through the Collett Road bus gate.

"This is not part of the official diversion as diversions have to be on similar class roads to those being affected.

"However, the enforcement cameras will be switched off and you will not receive a penalty for using the bus gate during the hours of closure."