More than 400 drivers have been fined and school runs have been taking over an hour since the Tory-run council took the decision to shut both Park Way and Town bridges while new gas pipes are laid.

Police and fire services lobbied for Park Way Bridge to close to provide emergency access, but as of Monday, Town bridge will be passable as the pipeline upgrade moves along Bartholomew Street.

Cars can only drive southbound over the bridge from Monday morning, while buses can continue both ways. But if council fears that Bear Lane junction will become swamped are confirmed, highways engineers will shut the bridge again.