Motorists in Lowestoft are being warned that they could be fined if they ignore flashing lights on the town's bascule bridge.Police will be carrying out checks around the bridge after being told that some vehicles do not stop when the lights start to flash to warn that the bridge is about to open to let boats pass underneath.

Motorists in Lowestoft are being warned that they could be fined if they ignore flashing lights on the town's bascule bridge.

Police will be carrying out checks around the bridge after being told that some vehicles do not stop when the lights start to flash to warn that the bridge is about to open to let boats pass underneath.

Now drivers are being told that they could face a �60 fine and three penalty points on their licence if they do not stop at the warning lights.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “Officers have received reports from bridge operators saying an increasing number of motorists are not stopping when the lights come into operation to close the bridge.

“On at least one occasion a car continued onto the bridge despite the barriers already starting to come down and operators regularly report up to 10 vehicles continuing over the bridge once the lights have started flashing.”