ALMOST £1 million in fines was levied against East Lancashire drivers last year, new figures have revealed.

Motorists across the region were fined for careless driving or breaking the speed limit 9,739 times in 2013, data released by road charity Brake revealed.

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The number of 'selfish' drivers was highlighted by the charity as it launched its national road safety week called Look Out For Each Other.

It said more than a third of children in the north west said they had been hit or nearly hit by a car when out on foot or on bike, and said one fixed penalty is handed out every five minutes.

Both careless driving and speeding carry a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points, which means motorists were asked to cough up £973,900 last year.

Deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "When drivers use roads without care for others the consequences can be tragic and horrific – people killed and badly injured, lives ruined forever, because of a moment of impatience or selfishness.

"Instead of making our streets stressful, risky places, we're asking all road users to look out for and protect each other, particularly the most vulnerable.

"That means drivers sticking to 20 or below in towns and villages, looking carefully at junctions, and being considerate. Ultimately we're all just human beings trying to get around, with equal right to use the roads, not competing tribes."

The Association of Chief Police Officers' national lead for roads policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said: "Our officers and staff do a vital job in enforcing important safety laws and protecting the public on the roads.

"Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for forces and partners to engage with their local communities to deliver important road safety messages and undertake enforcement activities in support of Brake's week."

In May, the Lancashire Telegraph reported how two of Britain's worst speeding cases were recorded on main roads in Blackburn and Copster Green.

A motorist was clocked at 97mph, almost double the 50 limit, on the A6119 Yew Tree Road, between the Brownhill roundabout and Preston Old Road.

Another was caught at 94mph, more than double the 40mph limit, on the A59 through Copster Green, near the Bay Horse pub.

The disclosure came after it was revealed a traffic camera near Asda in Princess Way, Burnley, trapped 825 drivers breaking the 30mph limit between July and September last year, resulting in fines totalling £22,000.