A CRACKDOWN has been launched on drivers who park dangerously at a shopping centre.

Police last weekend issued 14 tickets at one roundabout outside Gateshead MetroCentre, which is used as a drop-off point for shoppers.

Sergeant Alan Parks, of Gateshead police, who is based at MetroCentre police office, said: "They are stopping on a roundabout junction which is reinforced by double yellow lines to stop people parking.

"Unfortunately, people are still using the area as a collection point and we have been very lucky that there have been no serious crashes.

"Not only are these people causing a danger to other road users and their own passengers but also committing offences of unnecessary obstruction or dangerous driving, which can bring penalties."

Motorists parking on the roundabout face either a fixed £30 fine for obstruction, or £60 and three penalty points for dangerous driving.

Police are warning they will treat seriously any accidents that are caused. Sgt Parks said: "If there was a crash, the matter could ultimately lead to prosecution."