AN MP has called for drivers caught speeding on problem roads to face tougher penalties.

Hyndburn’s Labour MP Graham Jones wants to see stiffer sentences for speeders and more serious fines handed out to tackle the ‘menace’ of dangerous driving.

His calls come as residents have raised concerns about speeding on St Hubert’s Road, St Hubert’s Street and Queen Street, in Great Harwood.

Last year, a stolen car crashed into Our Lady and Saint Hubert’s Catholic Church’s graveyard wall in St Hubert's Street during a police chase and damaged headstones.

He said: “A constituent contacted me concerned about speeding on the road and I have contacted Lancashire County Council.

“Rather than spend money on more traffic-calming measures, we should come up with new ways of tackling the menace of speeding.

“There should be more stiffer sentences, more serious fines and we should start using technology.”

Labour councillor Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward on Hyndburn Council, said some drivers have been spotted driving at 40mph in 20mph zones.

He said: “Both St Hubert’s Street and St Hubert’s Road are 20mph zones while Queen Street is 30mph.

“Residents have reported to me of drivers driving in excess of 40mph and despite there being humps and other traffic calming measures on the roads.

“This is a safety risk and I’d like to see the county council conduct a speed survey.”

Conservative candidate for the Netherton ward, in May’s local elections, Liz McGinley said: “We do get cars speeding up and down all these roads.

“So anything we can do to calm traffic and reduce speeding is welcome.”

A spokesman for the county council said: “We work closely with the police to investigate community concerns about speeding, and take appropriate action.

“In response to the concerns we will carry out a speed survey on Queen Street, and discuss the results with the police who can consider the option of enforcement depending on the results of the survey.

“A previous speed survey on St Hubert's Road, and a study of the cause of incidents on St Hubert's Road and St Hubert's Street, did not indicate that there is a problem with speeding.”