MOTORISTS have been warned that a busy main road in Sunderland could be closed entirely if dangerous driving through roadworks continues.

Drivers who persistently drive the wrong way through roadworks at the Pallion Junction – and jump traffic lights – could be the cause of a smash.

Sunderland City Council has said it could be forced to close European Way entirely if motorists continue to ignore the lane closure, which has been put in place while roadworks continue around Pallion Junction.

Northumbria Police have joined the council in warning the small minority of drivers who ignore the lane closure, and others who jump the traffic lights at Pallion Junction, that they will face consequences if they continue to flout the law.

European Way is currently closed to eastbound traffic approaching Pallion Junction, but is still open to westbound traffic, as roadworks continue in preparation for Sunderland’s new bridge across the River Wear.

As a result, all traffic that would normally travel east along European Way is being diverted along St Luke’s Road instead.

In recent weeks, however, motorists and cyclists have been seen travelling through the one-way system the wrong way, while others have jumped the lights – triggering the automatic safety device within the traffic signals that shuts the system down for two minutes, causing delays.

The issue of motorists ignoring the lane closure has led the council to put out extra cones and signage, as well as locating its mobile CCTV camera in the area. The police are also going to put extra patrols out in the area.

The council has warned that the problem has now reached such levels, it will have no option but to close European Way in both directions – unless motorists drive more safely.

Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council and local ward councillor for Pallion, said: “Thousands of people use this junction every day – whether they are driving, on a bike or walking across the road. We also have construction workers doing important work very close to moving traffic in the area.

“Putting lives at risk to save three or four minutes on your journey time is completely irresponsible. We don’t want to see European Way closed entirely, but neither do we want an accident, so we are urging road-users to act responsibly.”