DRIVERS failing to stop for school crossing patrols are to be prosecuted amid fears that a tragedy could be just around the corner.

Sgt Ian Hutchinson, community safety officer with Langbaurgh Police, said: "These drivers are putting the lives of children and other people using the crossings at risk simply to save a few seconds on their journeys.

"This is not acceptable and offenders can expect to have a visit from the police which may result in them being prosecuted."

The worst trouble spots are Thrush Road and Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar and Normanby Road, South Bank.

There have been 69 fail-to-stop incidents over the past two years, while attempts to improve driver awareness with new signs and road markings are being ignored by drivers.

Sylvia Szintai, lead member for the environment and infrastructure with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "We receive regular reports, often two or three a month, of motorists who swerve round the patrol officers standing in the middle of the road.

"Every one of these incidents is a recipe for an accident," she said.

A protocol has been drawn up between the council and Cleveland Police in an attempt to crack down on the number of fail-to-stop incidents happening across East Cleveland.

Mike Hall, the council's road safety officer, said: "We want motorists to know that they will not be getting away with that sort of behaviour any longer. We want to prosecute as many of these bad drivers as possible."

Meanwhile, a family of practical jokers could be laughing on the other side of their faces when the council catches up with them.

The children laughed, and so did their father, when they squirted an unknown liquid at a schools' crossing lollipop lady as they drove past her.

The council has the car's number - and the pranksters are going to get a visit.

"We think it might have been water or juice, but it could have been anything," said Mr Hall.