A CRACKDOWN on dangerous and careless drivers near a school has been launched after concerns from pupils and teachers.

Police said that within minutes of launching an operation in the Audley area in Blackburn yesterday, six motorists had been issued with tickets for not wearing seatbelts.

Whilst a taxi driver, with passengers in his car, was given a ticket for speaking on his mobile phone.

Officers stood outside Audley Junior School and were also speaking to drivers about dangerous driving and illegal parking.

The awareness day, covering Queen’s Road and the Pringle Street area, came as a result of concerns from residents over the safety of the children as they were walking to and from school.

Police community Beat Manager, PC Mick Walsh, said that it was the parents who were a cause for concern in the area.

“The children are really good but it is the adults that don’t seem to follow the traffic laws.

“We have had a couple of near misses over the last few weeks and there was an accident on Queens Road which occurred just before Christmas.

“Our aim is to protect the safety of the children,” he said.

Head teacher at Audley Junior School, Susan Aldred, said she hoped the whole area would benefit.

“The area is known for not wearing seat belts and we are trying to raise awareness. It is nice to see the whole community working together.”

Audley Junior School pupils have already benefited after a campaign saw an increase in the number of children who now say they wear seat belts.