Police are reminding motorists of the restrictions in place in the Holme-side area of the city as part of an operation to reduce accidents.

Officers are dishing out advice about the restricted access to the road after a number of collisions led to pedestrians being injured.

These included a 74-year-old hit by a car at the pedestrian lights near Savannah's pub on October 17.

Sergeant Paul Whittle, of Sunderland Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I would remind all road users that Holmeside is subject to traffic measures restricting the use of the road.

"The traffic restrictions in place on this road restrict its use to those driving buses and taxis, with allowances made for those delivering to shops within this area.

"These measures are in place, in part, to protect the safety of pedestrians within this busy shopping area.

"We have already issued more than 40 verbal warnings to motorists in Holmeside whose vehicles do not fall within the appropriate category.

"Our officers will be monitoring the situation in this area of town to ensure the continued safety of those shopping in the area and our enforcement of traffic restrictions in this area will continue for as long as the problem persists."

Officers also recently responded to residents' concerns over road safety on Leechmere Road, one of the city's main roads.

Motor patrol officers are now enforcing the 30mph speed limit after concerns were raised by nearby residents over speeding motorists.

Sergeant Alan Pitchford, of Sunderland South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Residents in this area have made us aware that many of those driving on the road are exceeding the 30mph speed limit and that their actions could pose a threat to pedestrians and other road users.

"Our officers are now conducting regular patrols of this road to catch those breaking the speed limit.

"As a result of this operation, we have already issued a number of verbal warnings and two fixed penalty notices against motorists driving unsafely.

"Speed limits are in place to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike and we will take direct action to ensure that this safety is not jeopardised by those driving irresponsibly."