MOTORISTS have been urged to be on the alert for elderly pedestrians during the coming darker months.

Durham Police is mounting a campaign to cut the number of accident casualties across the force area.

The force's road policing unit is urging drivers to be vigilant for elderly pedestrians crossing the road.

Motorists are being asked to ensure their vehicles are well lit.

Road casualty reduction officer, PC Dave Nixon, said statistics suggest 34 per cent of road casualties across the area this year will be over 60.

"We're asking drivers to take extra care with regard to elderly pedestrians and other road users."

He said in Derwentside and Easington 30 per cent of the annual total pedestrian casualty figures occurred during the winter quarter.

The campaign starts this week. Officers will be warning drivers to check their lights, tyres and windscreens. Drivers with vehicles below the required standard face prosecution.