A TEMPORARY traffic order has been put in place on the A303, in a bid to prevent drivers from stopping to take pictures of Stonehenge.

Over the last week Wiltshire Police has been receiving a number of reports about vehicles stopping on the grass verge of the A303, in order for some passengers to walk along the carriageway and take photos of the world-famous monument.

Incidents reported to police from the area include traffic issues and near misses.

The newly instated order prevents vehicles from stopping on the verge of the A303 between Parkhouse roundabout and Winterbourne Stoke, in both directions.

Barney Appleton, traffic management and road safety officer from the Wiltshire Police Road Safety Unit said: "This [parking] was causing HGVs and other vehicles to move into the middle of the carriageway.

"As well as this, we have also had reports of drivers continuing to push back temporary barriers to the entrances to nearby byways on the A303 so they can park there.

“We would ask all motorists to consider their actions and drive or park in a safe, legal and responsible manner.

“We will continue to work closely with Highways England in relation to these issues and will monitor the order and its effectiveness over the coming days and weeks ahead."