POLICE in Preston are being urged to take action against motorists who jump red lights following a catalogue of incidents on London Road.

The pedestrian crossing, near James Street, is regularly used by schoolchildren, office workers and people using the local shops.

Yet despite traffic lights turning red, officers say drivers frequently speed through them despite seeing pedestrians about to cross.

There has already been one fatal accident on the stretch of road this year, according to local councillor Ken Cole, who uses the crossing several times a day.

Coun Cole, also cabinet member for housing and direct services, has contacted local police and Preston Borough Council to take action before another accident happens. The Local Government Association has also highlighted this as a national problem with a startling 22 per cent rise in the number of motorists driving through red lights in the last three years.

Coun Cole said: "Like many local people I often feel that I am taking my life in my hands every time that I use the crossing on London Road.

"The traffic lights often turn red yet cars still speed through. It's now a daily occurrence."

He added: "As well as the police and Preston Borough Council I have alerted Lancashire County Council to the problem.

"We need to act now before someone else is killed using the crossing, whether it be a child going to school, an office worker or someone going for a pint at a nearby pub."

A police spokesman said: "Obviously, these reports do cause some concern and we wish to warn all motorists, who do cross lights when they are red, that it's a major traffic offence. We will crack down on anyone we find doing this."