MOTORISTS putting lives at risk by flouting road safety laws at roadworks are being warned they could face prosecution.

North Yorkshire County Council is carrying out essential resurfacing works along sections of the A684 through Morton on Swale and Ainderby Steeple.

The scheme is to repair winter damage and the road is closed for four weeks to through traffic but locals still have access.

Some drivers are ignoring the rules and are driving without proper care through the roadworks and they are putting contractors lives at risk.

A North Yorkshire Highways spokesman said: "The problem is that some drivers, without residents’ passes are reportedly travelling through the works which could potentially place themselves and the workforce at risk.

"If drivers continue to behave irresponsibly it may become necessary to impose tighter restrictions and motorists could face prosecution by North Yorkshire Police.

"We would very much prefer not to have to introduce additional restrictions however we have a responsibility both to the motorists themselves, and to the contractors working on the site."