Rising bollards to control traffic were installed at the junction of Cheapside and Friargate in 2009 at a cost of £35,000, but have yet to be used.
The scheme hit problems with a debate over who should be allowed to override the bollards and gain access to the Flag Market, with concerns raised from the emergency services, market traders, delivery drivers and disabled motorists.
The issue was raised at a full meeting of Preston City Council, with assurances there should soon be action, with council bosses saying they could be up and running next month.
Coun John Browne, who represents Brookfield, speaking at the meeting, said: “I keep looking and I keep seeing nothing.
“The whole thing is just going nowhere.
“The amount of money that has been spent and there is still nothing to be shown for it.”
In response, Coun John Swindells, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said it was hoped the scheme would soon be up and running, but he remained cautious.
He said: “We are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
“Some work has been done to clear the bollards out and hopefully by the next time we come to meet at council (in December) it will be fully operational.
“But we will have to wait and see.”
Council chiefs announced in March this year the bollards would be working from April, but the plans hit a further snag over safety issues and which authority would be responsible for operating them.
The issue was raised again in July with council bosses saying there were also concerns cars could be impaled on the bollards.
They said they needed to be sure software controlling the bollards was operating properly before the bollards could begin working.
County bosses now say they are testing the bollards.
Shaun Capper, assistant director for environment, said: “We are currently working with Preston City Council to develop an implementation plan for the rising bollards, and as part of this we are in the process of testing the bollards and providing advice and guidance to motorists who wish to access Cheapside.
Comments