Pigheaded motorists have been piling the pressure on already stretched emergency services and putting their own lives at risk by refusing to steer clear of flood-hit roads across North Yorkshire.

Police have put out a stark warning to drivers after incidents in York and Selby.

Two people had to be rescued from their almost submerged car after venturing into flooded Knavesmire Road, in York.

Police said they had ignored road closure signs and travelled into the flood last night.

Emergency service teams were called in to rescue them.

Sgt Nigel Atkinson, of York police, said: "When roads are closed due to flooding, it is a legal obligation, never mind a moral one, that motorists do not go past the road closure and attempt to travel down that road."

He appealed to drivers to use common sense.

Meanwhile, the selfish behaviour of some motorists has been putting an extra strain on emergency crews in Selby.

Police have had to set up new roadblocks after a busy railway level crossing was damaged by traffic ignoring road closures.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said drivers were moving traffic cones on the A63 where it is closed at Thorpe Willoughby and turning off before the flooded part into narrow Sandhill Lane.

From there traffic has been heading into Bracken Hill Lane over a level crossing, which has been damaged. Police fear the damage could be made worse if more motorists flout the traffic bans.

"Further, the crossing keeper has also been getting foul-mouthed abuse from drivers impatient at the delay in going over what is an extremely busy crossing," added Mr Lidgate.

The junction of the A63 and Sandhill Lane is now closed except for local access by cars and the same restriction is in place on Bracken Hill Lane.

Mr Lidgate added: "Officers, who have many more important things to do, have promised to deal firmly with anyone who ignores the new barriers."