Police have warned drivers they will face fines if they continue to drive in a controversial pedestrianised city street.

Nine vehicles were fined in Exchange Street last Thursday, which has become the centre of heated arguments between drivers and pedestrians since the road was closed to motorised traffic in 2020.

Recent incidents have seen a man damage a car illegally using the road with his walking stick and activists block the street.

Officers say these are not the first fines they have issued, but they represent a shift in tactics after police previously announced they would be focusing on giving out guidance rather than fines.

Norwich Evening News: Exchange Street in Norwich city centreExchange Street in Norwich city centre (Image: Newsquest)

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A police spokeswoman said: "The road was turned into a pedestrianised zone by Norfolk County Council and is closed to motorised traffic between 10am and 4pm seven days a week.

"Enforcement is just one of the ways officers are tackling non-compliance, along with signage and education in this narrow and busy city centre street.

"People are reminded the street remains open to cyclists in both directions.

"Officers routinely visit the area to discourage illegal vehicle movements and ultimately improve safety."

Peter Silburn, of Norwich Cycling Campaign, which has been pushing for a move to fines for those driving illegally, welcomed the move.

He said: "We’re pleased that the police have finally recognised that educating people it’s illegal to drive down Exchange Street simply wasn’t working and that it was necessary to actually enforce the law by ticketing offenders.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Silburn of Norwich Cycling CampaignPeter Silburn of Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Newsquest)

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"Hopefully this will deter others."

The police crackdown came after officers also caught 10 speeders in St Giles Street during a day of action.

Previous attempts to stop drivers using the road have seen barriers, cameras and wardens put in.

But drivers have not been stopped, with reports of "chaos" in the city street.