News that £168,000 was "on the table" to help solve traffic congestion in Falmouth's town centre was met with mixed reactions as it emerged that work would still not begin until the autumn.

Members of the Falmouth Transport Infrastructure Group were told by Peter Moore, from Cornwall County Council, that funding was in place to provide high-tech variable signs, but added: "I think we're talking autumn." Mr Moore said: "The big costs would be the variable signs, telling people what spaces are in the car parks."

The signs would be placed at the entrances to Falmouth and have the flexibility of displaying different digital messages - for example warning of a forthcoming road closure.

The news came as part of an ongoing discussion over how to ease congestion through Falmouth's main shopping centre.

Members heard how motorists are continuing to ignore traffic restrictions through the centre of the town, which has become a rat-run.

Councillor John Hambly welcomed the funding promise but said he was frustrated by the lack of immediate progress.

Mr Hambly said: "I'm extremely pleased to hear that something is now ongoing. But it seems to be continually 'ongoing.' I just get frustrated that people are making a total fool out of everybody around this table."

He said he was an advocate of the "zero tolerance" approach.

Town and district councillor Mike Varney added: "The only good thing that's come out of this meeting is £168,000 is on the table. The only bad thing is, we have to wait for it."

But town councillor Stephen Eva said: "I think you could have as many signs as you like. People driving through the street are doing it deliberately."