POLICE road safety experts are warning motorists in east Durham they run the risk of a hefty fine if they carry on using a congested "no access'' route.

For several years, traffic has been banned from Eastfield and Thorntree Gill, in Peterlee, unless it is for access to peoples' homes in the two streets.

The restriction was put in place for safety reasons as there are schools nearby and on-street parking for residents, which often squeezes traffic into one lane.

But this year, police have received numerous complaints from people that drivers are using the route as a way of avoiding traffic lights at the junction of the Coast Road and Yoden Way.

Many motorists are heading along the Coast Road from Blackhall and turning left on to Eastfield, to avoid the lights, and rejoining Yoden Way at a different point.

The problem is acute during the rush-hour periods and when children are being dropped off and picked up from schools.

Police have now put in place an enforcement campaign that will last for several weeks.

Patrol cars will be in the area and anyone caught flouting the restrictions and using Eastfield as a through-road faces a fine of £40.

Traffic management officer Maxine Stubbs said yesterday: "We have taken these steps after local residents expressed their concerns.

"Speed is not the issue as the 30mph limit is enforced by various traffic-calming measures.

"The problem is the number of vehicles using the road, despite the signs warning drivers it is for access only.''

"Both Eastfield and Thorntree Gill are mainly residential, with on-street parking allowed on both sides of the road.

"This means often there is only room for traffic heading in one direction, and any vehicles coming the other way then have to stop and reverse.

"While there have not been any accidents involving children or other pedestrians recently, we fear it could be only a matter of time.

"Hopefully, this campaign should make a noticeable impact on the problem.''