PEDESTRIANS are being urged to make themselves more visible to motorists now that darker nights have arrived.

Road safety officials have issued a Be Safe, Be Seen plea following the turning back of the clocks last weekend.

Paul Watson, Hartlepool Borough Council's road safety officer, said: "It is easy to forget that, at this time of the year, drivers find it much more difficult to see pedestrians when they are crossing the road.

"I would urge everyone, whatever their age, to carefully consider how they can make themselves more conspicuous when they are out and about in the dark."

The council suggests:

* Wear clothes incorporating reflective material that shows up in car headlights;

* Fluorescent clothing shows up best by day and does not work after dark;

* Apply reflective tape to coats, bags and bikes;

* Make sure bikes are fitted with lights;

* Cross roads at the safest place, using crossings where possible;

* If walking on roads where there are no pavements, face oncoming traffic.