DRIVERS are being warned that a 50mph average speed limit in place on parts of the M65 are for workers' safety, following a worrying rise in speeding offences.

Lancashire police has reported that since the speed limit and enforcement cameras were reactivated following the Christmas break the number of offences has risen from a handful each day to around 50.

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Work to upgrade the safety barriers on the hard shoulder is ongoing and the county council is warning drivers that breaking the average speed limit could have potentially serious consequences.

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "It's a real concern that so many drivers appear to be ignoring the 50mph average speed limit which is in place for workers' safety.

"The work to replace the barriers on the hard shoulder between junction 10 and 14 is due to continue until the end of March.

"Unfortunately, the police have reported that since the New Year the number of people being caught by the average speed cameras has gone up considerably.

"Both traffic lanes are now completely open and the only barriers are on the hard shoulder, but it’s vital that we keep speeds low to protect the workers."

Lancashire assistant chief constable Tim Jacques, chair of the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety executive board, added: "We hope people take note of this important message.

"We would rather prevent speeding in the first place and keep workers and motorists safe than prosecute them."