POLICE have launched a high-profile safety scheme in an attempt to curb the number of accidents on the A171 Guisborough to Whitby moors road.

Over the past four years, 63 collisions have been reported; five people have been killed, 18 people seriously hurt and 87 injured.

Traffic officers from Cleveland Police have been using a video car this week, paying particular attention to drivers at busy junctions where there is a bad accident record.

Officers concentrated efforts on the full stretch of road within the Cleveland boundary - from Swans Corner at Nunthorpe to Scaling Dam - looking for speeding motorists and anyone taking risks when overtaking.

Insp Tom Brown, in charge of Operation Moor Road, said he hoped the high profile initiative would make drivers think carefully about their driving habits.

"Drivers who think the open road across the moor is an invitation to put their foot down should think again.

"Thoughtless actions by many motorists over the years have resulted in horrendous collisions and we intend to put a stop on it."