HELP could be at hand for villagers forced to drive extra miles following measures to combat rat runners.

People living along Mountway Road, Bishop’s Hull, could soon be allowed to use the bus gate to get into town – rather than driving the other way.

Fines were recently introduced for unauthorised vehicles using the gate ... but locals say it penalises them.

Somerset County Council leader Cllr John Osman, who met parish council chairman Cllr Rod Porter and district councillor Ian Morrell, agreed to a review to see if the system can recognise number plates so that people living in the neighbourhood would be exempt from charges.

Mr Morrell said: “The community and I welcome this initiative as it will reduce the number of extra miles being driven and wasted each year just to get to and from home.

“The outcome of this review could see local residents re-use Mountway Road without penalty while ensuring rat-running is tamed and the bus service uninterrupted.

“Although this enhancement will require further technical and procedural consultation, hopefully we’re on the way to seeing resolution to this long-standing issue.”