to reduce traffic and improve emergency access in the city will go into action - three years after it was first mooted.

A string of glitches in the Angel Street traffic bollard scheme have finally been ironed out.

Worcester City Council has waited for the festive season to end before launching it.

"We've been ready since Monday, December 10," said city engineer Tom Comerford. "We're trying to gauge it so we don't affect trade in the city.

"We'll be putting signs up the week before to let people know it's going to happen."

The bollards, at the entrance to Angel Street between Subway and McDonald's, will be raised from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Emergency service vehicles, buses and other vehicles have been fitted with the transponders which send a signal to the bollards to gain access.

During the bollards' first week, a city official will be on standby to assist any authorised vehicles not fitted with the device.

The scheme - which has been delayed by a series of glitches and vehicle alterations since being unveiled in January, 1999 - is set to be launched later this month.