DRIVERS in York risking their lives by "amber gambling" at traffic lights could be targeted in a campaign to stamp out the practice.

Labour transport spokeswoman, Tracey Simpson-Laing, will put forward a motion to the full council calling for a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of running red lights.

She said: "This is about road safety and saving lives. It is about saying to motorists, bikers, and cyclists alike that taking risks at traffic lights - for the sake of a few moments saved - is not acceptable, and it is not legal.

"In recent months I have witnessed a number of people thoughtlessly jumping the lights at potentially dangerous junctions and we need to take a stand against this.

"They are putting themselves and others at risk."

Research by the RAC Foundation has revealed one-in-ten drivers risked serious accident or injury to themselves, other road users and pedestrians by driving through a traffic light when it had been red for over three seconds.

A further one in five took a chance on a last minute amber signal.

Coun Simpson-Laing, who will put forward the motion at a meeting on Tuesday, will ask the council to work with North Yorkshire Police Authority, and any motoring, biker and cyclist organisations.

She is hoping studies can be carried out at major junctions in the city to gather data to be used in a campaign to prevent people being seriously injured or killed.

She said: "I know a lot of lively debate goes on in this city about traffic calming methods, and the best way to reduce accidents - but I think we can all come together on this traffic light issue which is, after all, simply about enforcing the law.

"We should be saying to everyone in the city, whoever you are the law applies to you."

Updated: 10:49 Friday, November 07, 2003