GROUPS representing pedestrians are urging tougher action against motorists using Stockton High Street.

Buses and taxis are permitted to use the High Street and Cleveland Police recently clamped down on other drivers using the road.

But a letter from Stockton Pedestrian Group to Cleveland Police has called for more officers to help enforce traffic restrictions.

In the letter the group said: "When new regulations were introduced last September, police officers and council officers were seen to be active, stopping drivers who flout the rules and we were told there were to be more prosecutions.

"However, after a time, the police presence disappeared and, as a result, High Street traffic is much the same as it was before the regulations came into force.

"Officers are still seen patrolling the High Street so surely it would not be unreasonable to have them spend a portion of their time stopping offending drivers."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the regulations were strictly enforced and more people were being issued with tickets.

She added that it takes less time to prosecute motorists than it did before September.