THOUSANDS of motorists are speeding on Teesside's roads, despite the presence of cameras and warning signs.

An estimated 55,000 drivers are daily ignoring pleas to slow down and are flouting the law.

The Cleveland Safety Camera Partnership, made up of Cleveland Police and council safety, officers is still deeply concerned that motorists are continuing to endanger their own lives and the lives of others through excessive speeding.

Speed cameras were introduced on 33 Teesside roads in April 2000.

Partnership spokesman Mick Bennett, an ex-traffic police inspector, renewed his appeal to motorists to slow down.

He said: "Each road has been specifically selected because the collision and casualty data shows these roads have an unacceptable speed-related casualty history.

"All we are asking is for drivers to stick to the speed limit. Every time they see a camera warning sign, this should be a reminder to them that people have been killed and seriously injured on these roads."

Besides the cameras, the roads have high reflective warning signs alerting motorists to the presence of cameras.

Details of the monitored roads are regularly supplied to the press and media and are also available on www.clevelandsafetycameras. co.uk.