A traffic reversal scheme designed to stop rat-running through a South Hams town has been criticised by traders for killing business.
The majority of shop owners in the market town of Totnes believe their takings are down on last year because most of Fore Street is a car-free zone.
Traders fear the Devon County Council traffic management experiment could run their business into the ground if it is carried on. Andy Garner, chairman of the town's chamber of commerce said: "Businesses will go to the wall."
He said more than 60% of 75 traders canvassed by the chamber of commerce were against the plans and had seen a downturn by up to 40% for April and May, compared to the same time last year.
Aaron Hosie who runs Diva women's fashion shop in the High Street, said: "Footfall has significantly reduced and this has had a detrimental effect on the town.
"This scheme doesn't work and it's going to kill the town. We need cars flowing through so people can see shops and may decide to come and visit."
The traffic reversal scheme was brought in to stop traffic rat-running in Fore Street and High Street after seven accidents were recorded in three years.
Up to 60 cars an hour were recorded going up the town before the ban. Esther Young, of Fleurette at the bottom of Fore Street, said: "If people do come to our town we have a front door that says don't come in, go round the back if you know how to find us."
Local councillor Robert Vint said it was important to collect data before it is presented to the county council.
The traffic reversal scheme will be reviewed in July.
